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Colorado • Mental Health
If you have depression in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs offer monthly income, healthcare coverage, and special savings options. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help—step by step.
To qualify for federal disability programs like SSI or SSDI with depression, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working at a substantial level for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[8]. For SSDI, you generally need enough work credits—about 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, but younger applicants may qualify with fewer[8]. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Your depression must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disabling mental health condition, which typically requires detailed medical evidence showing significant limitations in daily functioning, social interaction, or concentration[8].
In Colorado, all federal SSI and SSDI rules apply, but the state also offers special Medicaid (Health First Colorado) programs for people with disabilities. If you work, the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program lets you pay a premium based on income—even if you earn too much for traditional Medicaid—as long as your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after certain deductions[2]. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a qualifying disability, proven either through Social Security or a state disability review[2]. Colorado’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) handles medical eligibility for federal programs but does not decide Medicaid or state-only benefits[4]. If you already get SSI or SSDI, you don’t need a separate disability application for Medicaid[3].
If you think your depression qualifies you for Colorado disability benefits, start by collecting your medical records, work history, and financial documents. Apply online for SSI or SSDI at ssa.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit a local office (call ahead for an appointment)[1]. For Medicaid, apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK or contact your county human services department[7]. Expect to wait at least 7 months for a federal disability decision in Colorado[1].
Step 1: Gather Documents
Step 2: Choose Your Program
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Step 5: Get Help If Needed
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Provides monthly cash benefits and Medicare after a waiting period[1][8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Provides monthly cash benefits and automatic Medicaid in most states[1][8].
Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare, which covers hospital and doctor visits[7].
Housing Assistance: Federal programs like Section 8 and public housing may help with rent if you have a disability[7].
Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and hospital care. If you get SSI, you’re automatically eligible in Colorado[3].
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities: Lets adults with disabilities who work and have higher incomes pay a monthly premium to get Medicaid coverage[2]. Eligibility is based on income—up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after certain deductions—and you must have a qualifying disability, like depression, as defined by Social Security rules[2].
Colorado ABLE Accounts: Save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility, as long as your disability began before age 26[6].
State Employee Disability Insurance: If you work for the State of Colorado, you may have access to short-term and long-term disability insurance through PERA and Unum[5].
Vocational Rehabilitation: The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, or keep a job[7].
If your depression started before age 26, you can open a Colorado STABLE (ABLE) account. This lets you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Qualification requires SSI, SSDI, or a doctor’s signed statement if not on SSI/SSDI[6].
Income limits for SSI are strict and change annually. For Medicaid (Health First Colorado), income limits are higher, and the Buy-In Program allows even higher incomes—up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after certain deductions—for working adults with disabilities[2]. Always check current limits and report changes in income.
Report any changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and/or your county human services office right away. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Medicaid and some private plans in Colorado cover mental health treatments for depression, like therapy and medication. Always check with your provider about coverage details.
If you feel overwhelmed, free help is available. Contact your county human services office, a local benefits counselor, or the Social Security office for one-on-one support.
If your income, living situation, or health changes, report it right away to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. Keeping your information up to date protects your benefits.
Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working or functioning for at least 12 months and meets Social Security’s criteria, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid[1][8].
Yes, the Medicaid Buy-In Program lets working adults with disabilities—including depression—get coverage if their income is below certain limits[2]. SSI and SSDI have strict rules about work and earnings; talk to a benefits counselor for details.
Expect at least 7 months for an initial SSI or SSDI decision in Colorado[1]. Medicaid decisions may be faster.
SSI is based on financial need and is for people with little income/resources. SSDI is for those who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a qualifying disability[1][8].
Yes, you may still qualify for Colorado Medicaid—especially through the Buy-In Program—by applying directly and having a disability determination, even if you haven’t applied for SSI or SSDI[2][3].
Yes, Colorado ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid, if your disability started before age 26[6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For official guidance, consult a qualified professional or the relevant agency.
You have the right to appeal. Contact Social Security or your county human services office for help. Consider getting a benefits counselor or legal aid for support.
Earnings can affect SSI and SSDI benefits. Colorado’s Medicaid Buy-In Program is designed for working adults with disabilities. Always report income changes[2].
For federal benefits, Colorado’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence, following Social Security rules. For Medicaid, the state or contractor decides based on the same rules[3][4].
Contact your local Social Security office, county human services department, or a certified benefits counselor. Colorado’s PEAK website is the official portal for Medicaid applications[7].
