Huntington’s Disease Benefits in Colorado

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Huntington’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. Both programs require a disability determination from SSA.

SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-05)

In Colorado, adults with Huntington’s Disease may qualify for several programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with a qualifying disability who are actively pursuing SSI. You must be a Colorado resident, 18-59 years old, and have a disability that prevents work. AND-SO requires you to exhaust other public benefits and actively pursue SSI.

Health First Colorado Buy-In (accessed 2025-11-05)

AND-SO Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Complete the Health First Colorado application online or at your county office.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI through the SSA website or local office.
• If you need interim cash help, apply for AND-SO through your county human services office.
• Consider contacting the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for help with the process.

SSA Apply Online (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis for Huntington’s Disease.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Huntington’s Disease is a Compassionate Allowance condition, which may speed up the process.
• Step 3: If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. You can apply online or at your county office. You will need to provide proof of employment and income.
• Step 4: If you need immediate cash assistance, apply for the AND-SO program through your county human services office. You must be actively pursuing SSI and have exhausted other public benefits.
• Step 5: If you are not already receiving SSI or SSDI, you may need to complete a separate disability application for Health First Colorado. The state will use SSA listings to determine eligibility.
• Step 6: Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for help with applications and benefits planning.

SSA Apply Online (accessed 2025-11-05)

Health First Colorado Application (accessed 2025-11-05)

AND-SO Application (accessed 2025-11-05)

DVR Help (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Provides monthly payments and Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and resources. Provides monthly payments and Medicaid eligibility.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those on SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for those on SSI or with low income.

SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. Premiums are based on income.
• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance ($248/month) to low-income residents with a qualifying disability who are actively pursuing SSI.
• Colorado ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that started before age 26.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Services for people with disabilities to live in the community.

Health First Colorado Buy-In (accessed 2025-11-05)

AND-SO Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

Colorado ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-05)

Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05)

Colorado ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. You must have a qualifying disability that started before age 26. Huntington’s Disease qualifies if you are entitled to SSI or SSDI, or if you self-certify with a physician’s diagnosis.

Colorado ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-05)

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,550/month in 2025. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, resources must be under $2,000 for an individual.

SSA Income Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)

Health First Colorado Buy-In (accessed 2025-11-05)

AND-SO Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

If your income or resources change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, report changes to your county human services office. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reductions.

SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)

Health First Colorado Reporting (accessed 2025-11-05)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-800-282-4677

  Hours: 8am–5pm, Mon–Fri

  Website

  For help with disability applications and work planning.
• Health First Colorado
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Hours: 8am–5pm, Mon–Fri

  Website

  For Medicaid and Buy-In Program questions.

• Is Huntington’s Disease a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI?

  Yes, Huntington’s Disease is a qualifying disability for both SSI and SSDI. It is listed as a Compassionate Allowance condition, which may speed up the application process. You must provide medical documentation of your diagnosis and prognosis.

• Can I work and still receive disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work and receive disability benefits in Colorado. There are work incentives for SSI and SSDI that allow you to earn some income without losing benefits. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is for working adults with disabilities.

• What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program?

  The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is above regular Medicaid limits. Premiums are based on income, and you must have a qualifying disability.

• What is the AND-SO program?

  The AND-SO program provides interim cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents with a qualifying disability who are actively pursuing SSI. The grant is $248/month, and you must exhaust other public benefits.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Colorado?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. Huntington’s Disease is a Compassionate Allowance condition, which may speed up the process.

• What is a Colorado ABLE account?

  A Colorado ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. Huntington’s Disease qualifies if you are entitled to SSI or SSDI, or if you self-certify with a physician’s diagnosis.