People with HIV/AIDS in Colorado may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for Colorado residents.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition by the Social Security Administration if it meets specific medical criteria, such as advanced symptoms or complications that severely limit your ability to work ^1.
In Colorado, people with HIV/AIDS may qualify for several state-specific programs. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. To qualify, you must be a Colorado resident, aged 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI. The maximum AND-SO grant is $248 per month, and resource limits are $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples ^2.
Colorado also offers the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities, which 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, which can be determined by the state or Social Security ^3.
HIV/AIDS is a qualifying condition for SSDI and SSI if it meets SSA's medical criteria for disability [^1].
Colorado ABLE accounts are available to people with disabilities that began before age 26. You must have a qualifying disability, demonstrated by SSI/SSDI entitlement or self-certification with a physician's diagnosis. ABLE accounts allow you to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^6].
For SSI, individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources, and couples can have up to $3,000. For SSDI, there are no asset limits, but income must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind) [^7]. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after disregards [^3].
You must report changes in income, employment, or living situation to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Contact your local agency or the SSA to report changes [^7].
Contact your local county human services office or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for help with applications and appeals.
Yes, if your HIV/AIDS prevents you from working and meets Social Security's medical criteria, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI [^1].
You can apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply through Health First Colorado or your county human services office. For interim cash assistance, apply for AND-SO through your county office [^4].
It 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. Premiums are based on income [^3].
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. The maximum grant is $248 per month [^2].
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives allow you to keep some benefits while working. Report any changes in income to avoid overpayments [^7].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities that began before age 26 to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
If you already receive SSI or SSDI, you do not need a separate disability determination for Medicaid. If not, you may need to complete a disability application [^5].
Report changes in income, employment, or living situation to your local agency or the SSA to avoid overpayments and maintain eligibility [^7].
You can appeal the decision. Contact your local agency or the SSA for information on the appeals process [^4].
Yes, contact your Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) office or local Workforce Center for work preparation and benefits counseling [^7].
