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Colorado • Learning
People with dysgraphia in Colorado may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on severity, work history, income, and resources. This guide explains how to apply and what programs are available.
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 Social Security Administration's work credit requirements (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, which includes severe learning disorders like dysgraphia if they significantly limit your ability to work or function independently[^1].
In Colorado, you may also qualify for state-specific programs if you have dysgraphia. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits[^4]. To qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) based on disability, you must have a qualifying disability and meet income and resource limits similar to SSI[^5]. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults With Disabilities may be an option if your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[^2]. Colorado ABLE accounts are available to those with a qualifying disability that began before age 26, including those with dysgraphia who meet SSA criteria or have a physician's diagnosis[^6].
Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, school records, and any documentation showing how dysgraphia affects your ability to work or function. This may include letters from doctors, therapists, or educators.
Apply for SSI/SSDI: Start your application online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must apply for you.
Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid): If you have a disability and low income, apply for Medicaid through Colorado PEAK. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults With Disabilities.
Apply for AND-SO: If you are a low-income adult with a disability and are actively pursuing SSI, you may qualify for interim cash assistance through the AND-SO program. Contact your county human services office to apply.
Open an ABLE Account: If you have a qualifying disability that began before age 26, you may open a Colorado ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Follow Up: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Respond promptly to requests for additional information. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal[^1][^2][^4][^5][^6].
The main federal disability programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs can provide monthly cash benefits and may lead to Medicare or Medicaid coverage[^1].
Colorado offers several state-specific programs for people with disabilities:
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. The grant standard is $248 per month[^4].
Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults With Disabilities may be an option if your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[^2][^5].
Colorado ABLE Accounts: Allow people with qualifying disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Eligibility requires a qualifying disability that began before age 26[^6].
Colorado PERA Disability Program: For public employees with at least five years of service who experience a loss of 25% of their predisability earnings due to disability[^3].
Colorado ABLE accounts are available to people with a qualifying disability that began before age 26. You can qualify if you receive SSI or SSDI, or if you have a physician's diagnosis of a similarly severe disability. ABLE accounts allow you to save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses without affecting your eligibility for means-tested benefits[^6].
For SSI and disability-based Medicaid in Colorado, the income limit is $967 per month for an individual. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults With Disabilities, the income limit is 450% of the Federal Poverty Level, with no resource limit[^5][2].
If you receive SSI, SSDI, or other public benefits, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes[^4].
Contact your local Social Security office or county human services office for help with applications. You can also get free legal help from disability advocacy organizations in Colorado.
Yes, dysgraphia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or function independently. You must provide medical evidence showing the impact of your disability[^1].
This program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if they earn too much for regular Medicaid. Income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level, and there is no resource limit[^2].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence[^1].
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. The grant standard is $248 per month, and you must be actively pursuing SSI to qualify[^4].
Yes, if you have a qualifying disability and meet income and resource limits, you may qualify for disability-based Medicaid. If you work and earn too much, the Buy-In Program may be an option[^5][2].
A Colorado ABLE account allows people with qualifying disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26[^6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility and program rules may change. Always verify information with official sources.
For SSI, the income limit is $967 per month for an individual. Some income is not counted, such as the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 of earned income[^1].
No, you can work and still qualify for some disability benefits, such as the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults With Disabilities. However, your earnings must be below certain limits[^2].
You need medical records, school records, and any documentation showing how your disability affects your ability to work or function. Letters from doctors, therapists, or educators can help support your claim[^1].
Yes, if your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or further review through the Social Security Administration or state agencies[^1].
