Heart Disease Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with heart disease, your condition must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, earning enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must prevent you from working. Heart disease is listed under SSA’s Blue Book, Section 4.00 (Cardiovascular System). If your condition matches or equals the listing, you may qualify. If not, you may still qualify if your symptoms prevent you from doing substantial work (SSA, 2025)[^1].

In Colorado, adults with heart disease may qualify for several state programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is above regular Medicaid limits but below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a qualifying disability (determined by SSA or the state). The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program offers interim cash help ($248/month) to low-income adults (18-59) with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI. You must have a qualifying disability, be a Colorado resident, and meet income and resource limits (CDHS, 2025)[^3].

• Check if your heart disease meets SSA criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local office.
• If working, apply for Health First Colorado Buy-In.
• If low-income and pursuing SSI, apply for AND-SO.
• Report all changes to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review SSA’s Blue Book (Section 4.00) to see if your heart disease qualifies.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, and work history.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: If you work and earn too much for Medicaid, apply for Health First Colorado Buy-In through your county human services office or online.
• Step 5: If you are low-income and pursuing SSI, apply for AND-SO at your county office.
• Step 6: Report all income, work, and medical changes to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If denied, appeal within 60 days.
• Step 8: Consider ABLE accounts for saving disability-related costs.
• Step 9: Contact DVR or a benefits counselor for help with work incentives and benefits planning.
• Step 10: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Provides monthly cash and Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals with disabilities. Provides monthly cash and Medicaid eligibility.
• Medicare: For SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability.
• Medicaid: For SSI recipients or those with low income/resources.
• Veterans’ Disability: For veterans with service-connected disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings for disability-related costs.

• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if income is above regular limits but below 450% FPL. You pay a monthly premium based on income.
• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash ($248/month) to low-income adults (18-59) with disabilities while pursuing SSI. Must be actively applying for SSI.
• Colorado ABLE Program: Allows people with disabilities to save up to $17,000/year in a tax-advantaged account for disability-related costs. Must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): For home and community-based services, but not specific to heart disease.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Helps with work, benefits planning, and applying for disability benefits.

Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $17,000/year for disability-related costs. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability (such as heart disease) that started before age 26. You can self-certify if not on SSI or SSDI, but must have a written diagnosis from a doctor. Funds grow tax-free and do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility up to $100,000 (Colorado ABLE, 2025)[^6].

For SSI, individual income must be below $943/month (2025). For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,550/month (substantial gainful activity). For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% FPL after disregards. For AND-SO, resources must be below $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (married) (CDHS, 2025)[^3].

You must report all changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reduction. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, or county human services as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and correspondence (SSA, 2025)[^1].

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

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI.
• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
  Phone: 1-303-981-1236

  Website

  Help with applying for benefits and work incentives.
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid or Buy-In.

• Can I work while applying for disability with heart disease in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work while applying for or receiving disability benefits in Colorado. There are work incentives that let you keep some benefits while working. Contact DVR or a benefits counselor for help with benefits planning.

• What medical evidence do I need for heart disease disability?

  You need medical records, doctor’s notes, test results, and a diagnosis that shows your heart disease prevents you from working. SSA uses its Blue Book to determine if your condition meets the criteria.

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

  It can take 3-6 months to get a decision on SSDI or SSI. If denied, appeals can take longer. Applying early and providing complete records can speed up the process.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have heart disease and work in Colorado?

  Yes, if you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, you may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. Your premium is based on your income.

• What is the AND-SO program in Colorado?

  AND-SO is a state program that provides interim cash help ($248/month) to low-income adults with disabilities while they pursue SSI. You must be actively applying for SSI and meet income and resource limits.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account with heart disease in Colorado?

  Yes, if your heart disease started before age 26, you can open a Colorado ABLE account. You can save up to $17,000/year for disability-related costs without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.