If you have a mobility impairment in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for financial and health support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Colorado, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be below set limits, regardless of work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if your mobility impairment qualifies. You can check the SSA's Blue Book for specific listings of qualifying conditions, including mobility disorders. [^1]
If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may also qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, depending on your situation. [^1]
In Colorado, adults with a mobility impairment may qualify for additional state programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities allows those who work but earn too much for regular Medicaid to buy into the program if they have a qualifying disability. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a disability determined by Social Security or the state's vendor. Your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. [^2]
Colorado also offers the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program, which provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with a disability that prevents them from working. You must be between 18 and 59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI benefits. The maximum resource limit is $2,000 for an unmarried person and $3,000 for a married person. [^3]
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Review the SSA's Blue Book to see if your mobility impairment meets federal criteria. For state programs, check income and disability requirements. [^1]
Step 2: Gather Documents Collect medical records, proof of income, employment history, and identification. For SSDI, you'll need your Social Security number and work history. For SSI, you'll need proof of income and resources. [^1]
Step 3: Apply for Federal Benefits Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can apply for SSDI, SSI, or both. [^1]
Step 4: Apply for State Programs For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, apply through Colorado PEAK or your county human services office. For AND-SO, apply through your county human services office. [^2][^3]
Step 5: Seek Help Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help with the application process, benefits planning, and employment services. [^5]
Step 6: Report Changes Report any changes in income, resources, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. [^3]
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with a qualifying disability save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI or Medicaid. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet one of the following: entitlement to SSI or SSDI, or self-certification of a similarly severe disability with a physician's diagnosis. [^6]
For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, the maximum resource limit is $2,000 for an unmarried person and $3,000 for a married person. [^2][^3]
You must report any changes in income, resources, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the excess. Report changes to your county human services office or through Colorado PEAK. [^3]
Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for free help with your disability application, benefits planning, and employment services. [^5]
SSDI is for people with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Both can provide monthly cash benefits and may include health insurance. [^1]
Yes, you can work while applying for or receiving disability benefits. Colorado has programs like the Medicaid Buy-In for Working Adults with Disabilities that allow you to work and still get benefits. [^2][^5]
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. For state programs, apply through Colorado PEAK or your county human services office. [^1][^2][^3]
You need medical records from a licensed physician that show your mobility impairment is severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses strict criteria to decide if your condition qualifies. [^1]
It allows adults with a disability who work to buy into Medicaid if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on income, and you must have a qualifying disability. [^2]
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with a disability who are pursuing SSI benefits. The maximum grant is $248 per month, and you must be between 18 and 59. [^3]
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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Yes, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can help you apply for disability benefits, plan your benefits, and find employment. Contact DVR for assistance. [^5]
An ABLE account lets people with a qualifying disability save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You must have a disability that started before age 26. [^6]
Report changes to your county human services office or through Colorado PEAK to avoid overpayments. If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the excess. [^3]
