Can epilepsy qualify for disability benefits in Colorado?

Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets Social Security's severity criteria. You must provide medical documentation to support your claim.

How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with epilepsy in Colorado?

Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying.

What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for epilepsy?

This program allows working adults with epilepsy to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income.

What is AND-SO and who qualifies in Colorado?

AND-SO is interim cash assistance for low-income adults (18-59) with a disability that prevents work. You must be actively pursuing SSI and have limited resources.

Can I work and still get disability benefits in Colorado?

Yes, you can work and receive benefits, but there are income limits. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is designed for working adults with disabilities.

How do I get an ABLE account for epilepsy in Colorado?

You must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria. Apply through the Colorado ABLE program website.

What medical documentation do I need for epilepsy benefits?

You need a written diagnosis from a physician, medical records showing the severity and duration of your epilepsy, and any relevant test results.

How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits in Colorado?

The process can take several months. Providing complete and accurate documentation can help speed up the process.

Can I get Medicaid if I have epilepsy but don't qualify for SSI?

Yes, you may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program if you are working and have a qualifying disability, even if you don't qualify for SSI.

What happens if my income changes while on disability benefits?

You must report any changes in income to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reductions.

Colorado • Neurological/Developmental

Epilepsy Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

People with epilepsy in Colorado may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific benefits such as Medicaid Buy-In and interim cash assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.

Epilepsy can qualify for SSI/SSDI if it prevents work for 12+ months.
Colorado offers Medicaid Buy-In for working adults with disabilities.
AND-SO provides interim cash help while pursuing SSI.
ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses.
Work incentives and reporting rules apply to all benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have paid enough Social Security taxes through past work. Epilepsy is listed as a qualifying condition if it meets the Social Security Administration's criteria for severity and duration [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For epilepsy, you must show your condition prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples [4].
Both programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status and residency in Colorado [4].

Colorado residents with epilepsy may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program if they are 16+, employed, have a qualifying disability (including epilepsy), and have income below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can apply even if you don't have a Social Security disability determination [2].
The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program offers interim cash assistance ($248/month) to low-income adults (18-59) with a disability that prevents work, including epilepsy. Applicants must be actively pursuing SSI and have limited resources [3].
To qualify for state programs, you must be a Colorado resident, have a disability verified by a medical professional, and meet income and resource limits. Some assets, like your primary home and one vehicle, are not counted [3][4].

How to apply in Colorado

Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office.
For Health First Colorado (Medicaid) Buy-In, apply online or by mail through the Health First Colorado website.
For AND-SO, contact your county human services office.
Gather medical records and proof of income before applying.

Step 1: Gather your medical records, proof of income, and identification.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. Create an online account for easier tracking [1].
Step 3: If you are working and need health insurance, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program online or by mail. You may need to complete a disability application if you don't have a Social Security determination [2].
Step 4: For interim cash assistance, apply for AND-SO through your county human services office. You must be actively pursuing SSI and provide proof of disability and income [3].
Step 5: Report any changes in income or employment to avoid overpayments. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to plan your finances [4].
Step 6: Follow up on your applications and keep copies of all documents.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Epilepsy qualifies if it prevents work for 12+ months [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities and limited income/resources. Epilepsy qualifies if it prevents substantial work and meets duration requirements [4].
Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and low-income individuals with disabilities [4].

Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities (including epilepsy) to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income [2].
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance ($248/month) to low-income adults (18-59) with a disability that prevents work. Applicants must be actively pursuing SSI and have limited resources [3].
Colorado ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria [6].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and Community-Based Services waivers may be available for people with epilepsy who need long-term support [2].

Money & Banking

Colorado ABLE accounts allow people with epilepsy to save up to $17,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria [6].
Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Account holders must file annual reports and follow program rules [6].

For SSI, the asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Some assets, like your primary home and one vehicle, are not counted [4].
For SSDI, there is no asset limit, but you must have a qualifying work history [8].
For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after disregards [2].
For AND-SO, income and resources are strictly limited, and all available income is considered [3].

Report any changes in income, employment, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reductions [4].
Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to plan your finances and avoid surprises [4].
Keep records of all changes and communications with benefit agencies.

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact a certified benefits counselor or your local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office for personalized help with your application.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website
For SSDI/SSI applications and questions.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Phone: 1-800-221-3943
Website
For Medicaid and Buy-In Program questions.
Colorado Department of Human Services
Phone: 1-800-697-6333
Website
For AND-SO and other state programs.

FAQs

Can epilepsy qualify for disability benefits in Colorado?
Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets Social Security's severity criteria. You must provide medical documentation to support your claim [8][4].
How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with epilepsy in Colorado?
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying [1].
What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for epilepsy?
This program allows working adults with epilepsy to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You pay a monthly premium based on income [2].
What is AND-SO and who qualifies in Colorado?
AND-SO is interim cash assistance for low-income adults (18-59) with a disability that prevents work. You must be actively pursuing SSI and have limited resources [3].
Can I work and still get disability benefits in Colorado?
Yes, you can work and receive benefits, but there are income limits. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is designed for working adults with disabilities [2].
How do I get an ABLE account for epilepsy in Colorado?
You must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet SSA criteria. Apply through the Colorado ABLE program website [6].

Official resources

Apply for SSDI/SSI(federal)
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program(state_agency)
AND-SO Program Information(state_agency)
SSI Income Limits and Rules(federal)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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