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Colorado • Chronic Illness
Colorado offers multiple federal and state programs for people with diabetes and other disabilities, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state cash assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply step-by-step, Colorado-specific benefits, and how to access ABLE accounts for extra financial independence.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough Social Security credits from work and have a medical condition (like diabetes with complications) that prevents you from working and is expected to last a year or result in death[8]. SSI is for those with little income and resources—$2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples—who also meet disability rules[4]. SSI and SSDI definitions for disability require evidence of significant functional limitations expected to last 12+ months or result in death[4][6]. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, 20 in the last 10 years[8]. For SSI, citizenship or eligible noncitizen status and state residency are required[4].
Colorado has additional programs for people with diabetes and other disabilities. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities lets you keep Medicaid while working if your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level and you meet Social Security’s disability criteria—even if not on SSI/SSDI yet[2]. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program offers temporary cash assistance ($248/month, as of 2022) to state residents aged 18–59 who are ineligible for SSI due to processing delays, with disability certified by a doctor and limited income/resources (maximum $2,000 for singles, $3,000 for couples)[3]. To qualify for Colorado ABLE accounts, your disability must have started before age 26 and meet federal standards[6]. Each program has unique paperwork and rules—check with each agency for specifics.
To apply for disability benefits in Colorado, first check eligibility for SSI and SSDI online at SSA.gov—you can apply for both there. If you work but still need Medicaid, visit Colorado’s Health First buy-in website. For state cash assistance, contact your county human services office. For ABLE accounts, visit Colorado ABLE. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents before you start.
Step 1: Determine which benefits you may qualify for—SSI, SSDI, Colorado Medicaid, or the Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities[1][2]. Step 2: Collect documents: medical records, Social Security number, work history, income and asset statements, and proof of citizenship or legal residency[1]. Step 3: Apply online: Visit SSA.gov for SSI/SSDI, or PEAK (Colorado.gov/PEAK) for Medicaid/state benefits[1]. Step 4: If applying for Colorado state programs (like AND-SO or Medicaid), contact your county human services department for in-person help or request a mailed application[3]. Step 5: For the Buy-In Program, complete the Health First Colorado Application even if you don’t yet have a disability determination[2]. Step 6: For AND-SO, you must also pursue SSI and use the state’s interim assistance form if approved[3]. Step 7: Wait for a decision—processing can take months. Step 8: Appeal if denied, using the instructions provided in your denial letter. Step 9: For an ABLE account, apply at ColoradoABLE.org if you qualify—disabled before age 26, and meeting federal disability standards[6]. Step 10: Once approved, report changes in income, work, or living situation promptly to avoid overpayments (see internal guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes).
The main federal benefits for people with diabetes and other disabilities are SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)[1][4]. SSI is based on financial need and limited assets, while SSDI depends on your work history and Social Security credits[4][7]. Both provide monthly payments and, in Colorado, usually qualify you for Medicaid health coverage. Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI benefits. See the SSI vs SSDI internal guide for comparisons. Children and adults with disabilities may also qualify for the federal ABLE Act accounts, which let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits[6].
Colorado offers several state-specific programs for people with diabetes and other disabilities. Health First Colorado (Medicaid), including the Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities, is open to people earning up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level if they meet Social Security’s disability criteria—even without SSI/SSDI[2]. Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) pays $248/month to low-income adults with disabilities who are not yet getting SSI and are actively pursuing it[3]. Colorado ABLE accounts allow eligible residents to save up to $18,000 per year (as of 2025) for disability-related expenses without affecting Medicaid or SSI eligibility[6]. Work incentive programs help you keep benefits and Medicaid while working, and Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can help with job training and support[7]. See the full list of programs at the Colorado benefits hub.
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $18,000 a year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[6]. Earnings grow tax-free. To qualify, you must meet federal disability standards—either receiving SSI/SSDI or having a doctor-certified severe disability[6].
For SSI, countable resources are limited to $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couples)—not counting your home or primary vehicle[4]. Income limits for SSI are strict; for Medicaid and the Buy-In Program, Colorado uses 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (2025: ~$5,929/month for a single person)[2]. AND-SO also has strict income and resource limits[3].
If your income, living situation, or resources change, you must report it promptly to SSA and Colorado agencies to prevent overpayments, which can lead to benefit reductions or repayments. See the internal guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details and tips.
Even if you are working, you may still qualify for Medicaid through Colorado’s Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities, as long as your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level and you meet disability criteria[2].
If your disability application is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal. Follow instructions in your denial letter, and consider free legal help or advocacy organizations for support.
Yes, if your diabetes causes severe complications that prevent you from working and you meet income and resource requirements. Medical evidence is required for all programs[1][4].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. Gather medical records, work history, and financial documents before starting[1].
Colorado’s Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities may let you keep Medicaid if your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level and you meet disability standards[2].
Colorado’s AND-SO program provides temporary cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities waiting for SSI approval, with strict limits on income and resources[3].
ABLE accounts help people whose disability started before age 26 save for disability expenses without losing benefits. You must meet federal disability standards to qualify[6].
No. Your primary home and one vehicle usually do not count toward SSI resource limits in Colorado[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Rules and benefits change—always confirm eligibility and application details with official agencies.
You have the right to appeal. Follow the instructions in your denial letter. Consider contacting a disability advocate or legal aid for help[1].
Colorado offers work incentive programs and Medicaid Buy-In for working adults with disabilities. Earnings may affect benefit amounts—talk to a benefits counselor for guidance (see SSI & SSDI Work Incentives internal guide)[2][7].
Call Health First Colorado at 1-800-221-3943 or contact your county human services department for help with applications and questions[7].
Yes, if the disability is severe and meets Social Security’s definition. Both SSI and Medicaid may be available for children with qualifying medical conditions[4].
