Deaf-Blindness Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

• To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet the 20/40 work credit rule.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Deaf-Blindness can qualify if it meets Social Security Administration (SSA) listings.
• Both programs require a medical determination that your condition is severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. SSDI is based on your work record and earnings history.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen and lawfully present in the U.S.

Source: SSA.gov, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Colorado residents with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for state programs like the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) if they are low-income, aged 18-59, and actively pursuing SSI benefits.
• The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. You must have a qualifying disability, be employed, and meet income limits.
• To qualify for state disability programs, your disability must be documented by an approved medical professional and expected to last at least 6 months.
• Colorado also offers ABLE accounts for those with disabilities present before age 26, allowing tax-advantaged savings without impacting benefits.
• State programs may have additional requirements, such as citizenship, residency, and resource limits.

Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (accessed 2025-11-05), Health First Colorado Buy-In Program (accessed 2025-11-05), Colorado ABLE (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Complete the Health First Colorado application or the SSA application online.
• If you do not have a Social Security disability determination, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application.
• Submit all required documents and follow up on your application status.
• Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help applying or understanding work incentives.

Source: Impact Disability Law, How to Apply for Disability in Colorado (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, proof of income, and work history. For Deaf-Blindness, include documentation from specialists.
• Step 2: Decide which program(s) to apply for: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or state programs like AND-SO or the Medicaid Buy-In.
• Step 3: Complete the application online at the SSA website or the Health First Colorado portal. If you do not have a Social Security disability determination, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application.
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, including medical evidence and proof of income.
• Step 5: Follow up on your application status. You may be contacted for additional information.
• Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help with the process or to understand how work affects your benefits.
• Step 7: Once approved, report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments.

Source: Impact Disability Law, How to Apply for Disability in Colorado (accessed 2025-11-05), Health First Colorado Disability Determinations FAQ (accessed 2025-11-05), DVR Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have a work history. Includes Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
• Veterans' Disability Benefits: For veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Source: SSA.gov, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. Maximum grant is $248 per month.
• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on income.
• Colorado ABLE: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities present before age 26. Does not impact SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Contact your county human services department for details.

Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (accessed 2025-11-05), Health First Colorado Buy-In Program (accessed 2025-11-05), Colorado ABLE (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Colorado ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• To qualify, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI and have a disability present before age 26.
• Accounts can be opened by the individual or an authorized person.
• There is a one-time $25 bonus for new accounts opened by June 30, 2026.

Source: Colorado ABLE (accessed 2025-11-05)

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual.
• SSDI is based on work credits, not income limits.
• AND-SO has a maximum resource limit of $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples.
• Health First Colorado Buy-In allows income up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Source: SSA.gov, How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-05), Colorado Department of Human Services, Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (accessed 2025-11-05), Health First Colorado Buy-In Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

• You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions.
• Report changes promptly to your caseworker or through the Colorado PEAK portal.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact your caseworker to discuss repayment options.

Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
  Phone: 1-800-282-4677

  TTY: 1-800-659-3656

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  Help with applying for disability benefits and work incentives.
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  TTY: 1-800-659-3656

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  Medicaid application and eligibility questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov

  Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  SSI and SSDI application and eligibility questions.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work and receive disability benefits in Colorado. Programs like SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep some benefits while earning income. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program also allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage.

• What medical evidence do I need for Deaf-Blindness benefits?

  You need medical records from specialists confirming your Deaf-Blindness and how it affects your ability to work. Include audiograms, vision exams, and doctor's notes. The Social Security Administration uses these to determine eligibility.

• How do I apply for Medicaid if I have Deaf-Blindness?

  Apply through the Health First Colorado portal or your county human services department. If you do not have a Social Security disability determination, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application. Your disability must meet SSA listings.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI in Colorado?

  SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can provide cash and health benefits.

• Can I get help with my application in Colorado?

  Yes, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Centers for Independent Living can help you apply for disability benefits. They also offer benefits counseling and work incentives information.

• What is the AND-SO program in Colorado?