Intellectual Disability Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable intellectual disability that prevents you from working 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, your income and resources must be below strict limits. Both programs use Social Security Administration (SSA) disability listings to determine eligibility. You must provide medical evidence, such as doctor’s reports and test results, to prove your disability meets SSA criteria.

• SSDI: Requires 40 credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability onset.
• SSI: No work history needed, but strict income and asset limits apply.
• Both programs require proof of disability through medical records.

Source: SSA

Intellectual disability is listed in the SSA Blue Book under Section 12.05. You must show significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, with onset before age 22.

Source: SSA Listing 12.05

In Colorado, adults with intellectual disability may qualify for several state programs. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults aged 18–59 with a qualifying disability while they apply for SSI. You must be a Colorado resident, have a disability that prevents work, and be actively pursuing SSI benefits. The AND-SO grant is $248 per month.

Colorado also offers the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities. This allows adults with a disability who work and earn above Medicaid limits to buy into Medicaid. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a qualifying disability (determined by SSA or the state). Income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after disregards.

Source: CDHS AND-SO

Source: Health First Colorado Buy-In

• Gather medical records and proof of disability.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If denied, request a reconsideration and appeal if needed.
• Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if you need health coverage.
• If you work and earn too much for Medicaid, apply for the Buy-In Program.
• For interim cash help, apply for AND-SO while pursuing SSI.
• Contact a benefits counselor for help with work incentives and reporting changes.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s reports, test results, and a written diagnosis for intellectual disability.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI:
  • Online at ssa.gov
  • By phone at 1-800-772-1213
  • In person at a local Social Security office
• Step 3: If applying for Medicaid (Health First Colorado), complete the application online or at your county human services office. If you already receive SSI/SSDI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid.
• Step 4: If you work and earn above Medicaid limits, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. You must have a qualifying disability and income below 450% FPL.
• Step 5: If you need interim cash help, apply for AND-SO. You must be actively pursuing SSI and meet all other eligibility criteria.
• Step 6: If denied, request a reconsideration within 60 days. You can appeal further if needed.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or work status to avoid overpayments.
• Step 8: Contact a certified benefits counselor for help with work incentives and reporting changes.

Source: Impact Disability Law

Source: Health First Colorado

Source: CDHS AND-SO

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for those with a qualifying work history and intellectual disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for low-income individuals with intellectual disability, regardless of work history.
• Medicaid (Health First Colorado): Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Section 8 Housing: Rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities.

Source: SSA

Source: Health First Colorado

• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Interim cash assistance for low-income adults with intellectual disability while pursuing SSI. Maximum grant is $248/month.
• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities: Allows adults with intellectual disability who work and earn above Medicaid limits to buy into Medicaid. Premiums are based on income.
• Colorado ABLE Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including intellectual disability. Must have onset before age 26.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with intellectual disability. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Developmental Disabilities office.

Source: CDHS AND-SO

Source: Health First Colorado Buy-In

Source: Colorado ABLE

Source: Medicaid Waivers

Colorado ABLE accounts allow individuals with intellectual disability to save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability with onset before age 26. You can self-certify if not entitled to SSI/SSDI, but must have a written diagnosis from a physician. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.

Source: Colorado ABLE

For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943/month for an individual. For Medicaid (Health First Colorado), income must be below 138% FPL for most adults, but the Buy-In Program allows up to 450% FPL for working adults with disabilities. AND-SO has a resource limit of $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples.

Source: SSA

Source: Health First Colorado

Source: CDHS AND-SO

You must report changes in income, resources, work status, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in repayment of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other programs promptly. Contact a certified benefits counselor for help with reporting and work incentives.

Source: SSA

Source: Health First Colorado

• 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/SSDI questions and applications.
• Colorado Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-697-6500

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

  Website

  For AND-SO, Medicaid, and other state benefits.
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

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

  Website

  For Medicaid and Buy-In Program questions.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for intellectual disability in Colorado?

  SSI is for low-income individuals with intellectual disability, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history and enough Social Security credits. Both require proof of disability through medical records.

• How do I prove I have an intellectual disability for benefits?

  You need medical records, a written diagnosis from a doctor, and evidence of significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Onset must be before age 22 for SSA purposes.

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

  Yes, Colorado has work incentives and programs like the Medicaid Buy-In that allow you to work and keep benefits. Report all income changes to avoid overpayments.

• What is the AND-SO program in Colorado?

  AND-SO is interim cash assistance for low-income adults with intellectual disability while they apply for SSI. The grant is $248/month, and you must be actively pursuing SSI.

• How do I apply for Medicaid if I have an intellectual disability?

  Apply online or at your county human services office. If you get SSI/SSDI, you are automatically eligible. If you work and earn too much, apply for the Buy-In Program.

• What is a Colorado ABLE account?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You must have a qualifying disability with onset before age 26.