If you have heart disease in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available to help with medical care and financial needs.
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].
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].
Contact the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help applying for disability benefits and understanding work incentives.
Always report changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Some state programs, like Health First Colorado Buy-In, require a disability determination from SSA or the state. Others, like AND-SO, require a qualifying disability from an approved medical professional.
If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can appeal online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Consider getting help from a disability lawyer or advocate.
Yes, veterans with service-connected heart disease may qualify for VA disability benefits. Contact the VA for more information.
You must report income changes 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.
