Hard of Hearing Benefits in Colorado

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for individuals with limited income and assets who have a qualifying disability. In 2025, the SSI earnings limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind). Individuals can own up to $2,000 in countable resources, while couples can have up to $3,000.
• Your disability must prevent you from working and be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Legally blind individuals and children with disabilities may also be eligible.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific non-citizen eligibility requirements and be a resident of one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025-11-05 Source: Impact Disability Law, 2025-11-05

• Colorado residents who are hard of hearing may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if they meet income and asset requirements. If you already receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Colorado.
• Colorado ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting their benefits. To be eligible, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI due to your disability, and your disability must have been present before age 26.
• Colorado PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association) offers a disability program for eligible members, including health benefits for retirees and dependents. Members must have at least five years of earned service credit and apply within 90 days of termination from employment.
• The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides services to help individuals with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing, find employment and understand how work affects their benefits.

Source: Health First Colorado, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado ABLE, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado PERA, 2025-11-05

• Gather medical documentation of your hearing loss.
• Determine if you qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or ABLE accounts.
• Complete the appropriate application online or by phone.
• Submit required documents and follow up on your application status.
• Contact local agencies for assistance if needed.

• Step 1: Obtain medical documentation from a qualified healthcare provider confirming your hearing loss and its impact on your ability to work.
• Step 2: Determine which benefits you may qualify for (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts) based on your income, assets, and employment history.
• Step 3: Complete the application for the chosen benefit. For SSI/SSDI, apply online at the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. For Medicaid, apply through Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county human services department. For ABLE accounts, visit the Colorado ABLE website.
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 5: Follow up on your application status and respond to any requests for additional information.
• Step 6: If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Contact the agency for appeal instructions.
• Step 7: Once approved, understand your reporting requirements and work incentives to maintain your benefits.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025-11-05 Source: Health First Colorado, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado ABLE, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado PERA, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado DVR, 2025-11-05

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are unable to work due to a disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides benefits to individuals with limited income and assets who have a qualifying disability.
• Medicare: Provides health insurance for individuals who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Provides health insurance for individuals with low income and assets, including those who receive SSI.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025-11-05 Source: Impact Disability Law, 2025-11-05

• Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Provides health insurance for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify.
• Colorado ABLE Accounts: Allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting their benefits. Eligibility requires entitlement to SSI or SSDI and a disability present before age 26.
• Colorado PERA Disability Program: Provides disability benefits and health coverage for eligible public employees with at least five years of service credit.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Offers employment services and benefits counseling for individuals with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.

Source: Health First Colorado, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado ABLE, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado PERA, 2025-11-05 Source: Colorado DVR, 2025-11-05

• Colorado ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting their benefits. To be eligible, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI due to your disability, and your disability must have been present before age 26.
• Contributions to ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged and do not impact SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support.

Source: Colorado ABLE, 2025-11-05

• For SSI in 2025, the earnings limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind). Individuals can own up to $2,000 in countable resources, while couples can have up to $3,000.
• SSDI has no asset limit, but there are work activity limits. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount, your benefits may be affected.
• Medicaid eligibility is based on income and asset limits, which vary by program and household size.

Source: Impact Disability Law, 2025-11-05

• It is important to report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments and potential penalties.
• Overpayments can occur if you fail to report changes or if there is an error in your benefits calculation.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options and appeal if necessary.

Source: Impact Disability Law, 2025-11-05

• 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 and SSDI applications and questions.
• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-303-866-4300

  Email: dvr@dora.colorado.gov

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  For employment services and benefits counseling.
• Colorado ABLE Program
  Phone: 1-844-225-3225

  Email: info@coloradoable.org

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  For ABLE account questions.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and assets who have a qualifying disability. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide financial support, but eligibility requirements differ.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. There are work incentives and programs to help you keep your benefits while working. Contact a benefits counselor for guidance.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Colorado if I am hard of hearing?

  You can apply for Medicaid through Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county human services department. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Colorado.

• What is a Colorado ABLE account?

  A Colorado ABLE account allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting their benefits. Eligibility requires entitlement to SSI or SSDI and a disability present before age 26.

• What documentation do I need to apply for disability benefits?

  You will need medical documentation of your hearing loss, proof of income, and identification. Additional documents may be required depending on the program.

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

  Processing times vary by program. SSI and SSDI applications can take several months. Medicaid applications are typically processed within 45 days.