Dyscalculia Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the required work credits (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^1]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition of disability[^1]. Dyscalculia may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities[^1].

In Colorado, you may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if you have a qualifying disability, even if you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid[^2]. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is for working adults with disabilities who are 16 or older, employed, and have income below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[^2]. You do not need to be approved for SSI or SSDI to qualify for the Buy-In, but you must have a disability determination from Social Security or the state’s Disability Determination Services[^2]. Dyscalculia may qualify if it meets Social Security’s disability criteria[^2].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI eligibility.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a local SSA office.
• For Medicaid, apply at Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county human services office.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Colorado ABLE program[^6].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI on SSA.gov. Dyscalculia must severely limit your ability to work or perform daily activities[^1].
• Step 2: Gather medical records, work history, and personal information.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a local SSA office. You can create an online account for easier tracking[^1].
• Step 4: For Medicaid (Health First Colorado), apply at Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county human services office. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Buy-In Program[^2].
• Step 5: For ABLE accounts, apply through the Colorado ABLE program. You need a qualifying disability (SSI/SSDI or self-certification) and a physician’s diagnosis[^6].
• Step 6: Follow up with SSA or your county office if they request more information. Expect to wait at least 7 months for an initial decision[^1].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefits for people with disabilities who worked and paid Social Security taxes[^1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly benefits for people with disabilities and limited income/resources[^1].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI[^1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income[^1].

• Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income. You can apply at Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county human services office[^2].
• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if they earn too much for regular Medicaid. You must be 16+, employed, have a qualifying disability, and income below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[^2].
• Colorado ABLE Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. You need a qualifying disability (SSI/SSDI or self-certification) and a physician’s diagnosis[^6].
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Helps people with disabilities prepare for work[^7].

Colorado offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. To qualify, you need a qualifying disability (SSI/SSDI or self-certification), a physician’s diagnosis, and the disability must have started before age 26[^6]. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[^6].

For SSI, your income and resources must be below Social Security’s limits. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[^2]. For ABLE accounts, there are annual and lifetime contribution limits[^6].

If your income or resources change, you must report it to SSA or your county human services office. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties[^7].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Website

  For Medicaid and Buy-In Program questions.
• Ability Connection Colorado
  Phone: 1-303-691-9339

  Website

  Certified benefits counseling for people with disabilities.

• Can dyscalculia qualify for SSI or SSDI in Colorado?

  Yes, if dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet Social Security’s disability criteria and work or income requirements[^1].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Colorado with dyscalculia?

  Apply for Health First Colorado at Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county human services office. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Buy-In Program[^2].

• What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program?

  The Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if they earn too much for regular Medicaid. You must be 16+, employed, have a qualifying disability, and income below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[^2].

• Do I need to be approved for SSI or SSDI to get Medicaid in Colorado?

  No, you do not need to be approved for SSI or SSDI to get Medicaid in Colorado. You can get a disability determination from the state’s Disability Determination Services[^2].

• What is an ABLE account and how do I get one in Colorado?

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. To get one in Colorado, you need a qualifying disability (SSI/SSDI or self-certification), a physician’s diagnosis, and the disability must have started before age 26[^6].

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability application in Colorado?

  You can expect to wait at least 7 months for an initial decision on your disability application in Colorado. The process may take longer if more information is needed[^1].