Colorado • Chronic Illness

Kidney Disease Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

If you have kidney disease in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and special programs for working adults. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

Kidney disease can qualify for SSDI and SSI if it meets SSA criteria.
Colorado offers Medicaid (Health First Colorado) and a Buy-In Program for working adults with disabilities.
Other state programs include Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) and Colorado PERA Disability.
ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses.
Always report changes to avoid overpayments.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). Your kidney disease must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a Blue Book listing for chronic kidney disease (listing 6.03) to determine eligibility[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must meet SSA’s disability criteria and financial limits[1].
Both SSDI and SSI require a medical determination that your kidney disease is disabling[1].

In Colorado, adults with kidney disease may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if they meet income and disability requirements. You can apply even if you work, through the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities. Eligibility is based on having a qualifying disability (as defined by SSA) and income below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level[2].
The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents with a disability that prevents them from working, while they pursue SSI benefits. Applicants must be between 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and meet resource limits ($2,000 for singles, $3,000 for couples)[4].
Colorado PERA members with kidney disease may qualify for disability benefits if they have at least five years of earned service credit and experience a loss of 25% of their predisability earnings[3].

How to apply in Colorado

Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
Apply for Health First Colorado online or through your county office.
If you work, check if you qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program.
Report all changes to avoid overpayments[1].

Step 1: Get a medical diagnosis and gather all records related to your kidney disease. This includes lab results, treatment plans, and doctor’s notes.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can do this online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office. The application will ask for your medical and work history[1].
Step 3: Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). You can apply online at colorado.gov/PEAK or through your county office. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities[2].
Step 4: If you are a PERA member, apply for PERA disability benefits within 90 days of termination or while on leave, using the Disability Program Application on copera.org[3].
Step 5: If you need interim cash assistance, apply for AND-SO through your county office. You must be actively pursuing SSI benefits[4].
Step 6: Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments[1].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits and Medicare coverage to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a qualifying disability[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources[1].
Medicaid (Health First Colorado): Provides health coverage to low-income individuals with disabilities[2].
Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period[1].

Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities: Allows adults with a disability to buy into Medicaid if they work and earn too much for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on income[2].
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance to low-income adults with disabilities while they pursue SSI benefits. Maximum grant is $248 per month[4].
Colorado PERA Disability Program: Provides disability benefits to eligible PERA members with at least five years of service credit[3].
Colorado ABLE Accounts: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits[6].

Money & Banking

Colorado ABLE accounts are available to people with a qualifying disability that began before age 26. You can qualify if you receive SSI or SSDI, or self-certify with a physician’s diagnosis. ABLE accounts help save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits[6].

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Colorado may have higher limits for state programs like the Buy-In Program (up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level)[2].
For AND-SO, the resource limit is $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples[4].

Always report changes in your income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for more info[1].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local Social Security office or county human services office for help with your application. Nonprofits like DB101 Colorado also offer free assistance.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Website
Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits.
Colorado Department of Human Services
Phone: 1-800-697-6500
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
Apply for state programs like AND-SO and Health First Colorado.

FAQs

Can I get disability benefits for kidney disease in Colorado?
Yes, if your kidney disease is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death, and you meet SSA’s disability criteria. You may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or state programs like Health First Colorado or AND-SO[1][2][4].
How do I apply for disability benefits for kidney disease in Colorado?
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Apply for Health First Colorado online or through your county office. If you work, check the Buy-In Program. PERA members should apply through copera.org[1][2][3].
What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities?
This program allows adults with a disability who work to buy into Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if they earn too much for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on income, and eligibility is based on having a qualifying disability[2].
What is the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program?
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents with a disability that prevents them from working, while they pursue SSI benefits. Applicants must be between 18-59 and meet resource limits[4].
Can I save money in an ABLE account if I have kidney disease?
Yes, if your disability began before age 26 and you meet the eligibility criteria. ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits[6].
Do I need to report changes in my income or medical status?

Official resources

Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities(state_agency)
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) Program(state_agency)
SSA Disability Eligibility(federal)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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