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Colorado • Rare/Genetic
People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Colorado may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. SSA reviews medical records and work history to decide eligibility[1][8].
In Colorado, adults with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for state programs if they meet specific criteria. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. AND-SO requires a qualifying disability, Colorado residency, and active pursuit of SSI benefits[2][3].
The main federal programs for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are:
Colorado offers several programs for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome:
Colorado ABLE accounts are available for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome if the disability started before age 26. You can qualify by receiving SSI/SSDI or by self-certifying a similarly severe disability with a doctor’s diagnosis. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[6].
For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. In Colorado, AND-SO has a 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 after disregards[2][3].
If you get more benefits than you should, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For state programs, report to your county human services office[7].
Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offers free help with disability applications, work planning, and benefits counseling. Contact DVR for personalized support[5].
Yes, you can work and apply for or receive disability benefits in Colorado. Programs like SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you keep some benefits while working. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is for working adults with disabilities[5][2].
You need medical records showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your condition limits your ability to work. SSA uses these records to decide if you meet their disability criteria. A doctor’s diagnosis is required for ABLE accounts[1][6].
The Buy-In Program lets working adults with disabilities buy Medicaid coverage if their income is above regular Medicaid limits. You pay a monthly premium based on your income. You must have a qualifying disability[2].
AND-SO is a state program that gives interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. You must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and actively pursue SSI. The grant is $248/month[3].
Yes, Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can help you apply for disability benefits, find work, and plan how work affects your benefits. Contact DVR for free help[5][7].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Colorado, you can get one if your disability started before age 26 and you meet SSA criteria or have a doctor’s diagnosis[6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report online or by phone. For state programs, report to your county human services office[7].
If you don’t qualify for federal benefits, you may still get help from state programs like AND-SO or Medicaid. Contact your county human services office for other options[3].
Yes, if you have a disability and work, you may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. This lets you buy Medicaid coverage if your income is above regular limits[2].
The time varies. SSI/SSDI applications can take several months. State programs like AND-SO may be faster. Contact your local office for current processing times[1][3].
