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Colorado • Chronic Illness
If you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and live in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits that provide income, medical coverage, and work supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and special Colorado programs to help you manage your condition.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition (like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) that is expected to last at least a year or result in death, and you must have worked enough to earn sufficient Social Security credits [8]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you need to have limited income and resources, and your disability must prevent you from working at a substantial level. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability for both programs. You may still qualify if you work part-time, especially if your earnings are under the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit [6]. Both programs require detailed medical records and evidence that your symptoms prevent you from working full-time.
In Colorado, you can apply for federal programs (SSI/SSDI) and also access state-specific help. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides temporary cash assistance if you’re between 18–59, have a disability that prevents work (confirmed by a medical professional), have limited income and resources, and are actively applying for SSI [3]. Colorado’s Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities lets you ‘buy into’ Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if you have a qualifying disability, are employed, and your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level—even if you’re still working [2]. For Colorado ABLE accounts, you must be eligible for SSI or SSDI due to a disability that started before age 26 [4].
If you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and think you qualify for disability benefits in Colorado:
Applying for SSI/SSDI in Colorado
Applying for Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) and Buy-In Program
Applying for AND-SO (State Cash Assistance)
Opening a Colorado ABLE Account
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits and Medicare to people with disabilities who have enough work credits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers monthly payments to low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Both require a medical condition (like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) that meets the SSA’s strict definition of disability [8].
Medicare provides health insurance for those on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. Medicaid (Health First Colorado in CO) offers health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities [2][5].
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. The Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities allows employed adults with disabilities to enroll even if their income is above regular Medicaid limits—you pay a monthly premium based on your income [2].
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) provides temporary cash assistance ($248/month as of 2022) for low-income adults with disabilities who are waiting for SSI approval [3].
Colorado ABLE accounts help eligible individuals save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits, offering tax advantages and contribution matching (limited-time offer) [4].
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find or keep jobs and understand how work affects benefits [6].
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other public benefits. To qualify, you must be eligible for SSI or SSDI due to a disability that began before age 26. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, and contributions up to the annual limit grow tax-free [4].
For SSI, strict income and asset limits apply (as of 2025, $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple). Medicaid Buy-In has more flexible income limits (up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level). AND-SO also has strict income and asset limits—for example, up to $2,000 for a single person, $3,000 for a married couple [3].
Report all changes in income, living situation, or resources to the SSA and Colorado agencies promptly. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Work with a certified benefits counselor to understand reporting rules and protect your benefits. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for details.
You can work part-time while receiving SSI, SSDI, or Colorado Medicaid Buy-In—special work incentives help you keep more of your income and benefits [2][6]. Always report earnings to avoid overpayments.
Strong medical records are key. Have your doctors document how Myalgic Encephalomyelitis affects your daily life, work ability, and treatment. This evidence is required for all disability applications [1][8].
If your federal disability claim is pending, apply for Colorado’s AND-SO program for temporary cash help [3].
Yes, you can work part-time and still qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Colorado’s Medicaid Buy-In Program, as long as your earnings are below program limits. Colorado encourages employment through special work incentives and supports [2][6].
No, but the process can be complex. Many people apply on their own, but you can get free help from a benefits counselor, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or legal aid if you are denied or have questions [6].
Processing times vary. Initial decisions can take 3–5 months. If denied, appeals add more time. State programs like AND-SO may provide temporary help while you wait [3].
You have the right to appeal. Contact a benefits counselor or legal aid for help with the appeals process. You can also check if you qualify for state programs like AND-SO while you appeal [3].
Yes, you may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or the Buy-In Program based on income and disability, even without SSI or SSDI approval. Apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK [2].
A Colorado ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You qualify if you are eligible for SSI or SSDI and your disability began before age 26 [4].
Disclaimer: This information is current as of November 2025. Program rules and income limits can change. Always contact official agencies for the most up-to-date guidance.
AND-SO provides short-term cash assistance to low-income adults (ages 18–59) with disabilities who cannot work and are waiting for SSI approval. You must have limited income and resources and submit medical proof of disability [3].
Earnings may reduce your SSI payment, but Colorado offers work incentives and the Medicaid Buy-In Program to help you keep coverage while working. Talk to a certified benefits counselor for details [2][6].
Contact Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, a certified benefits counselor, or your county human services office for free help with applications, eligibility, and work incentives [6][7].
You need detailed records from your doctors showing how your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis limits your ability to work. Include test results, treatment history, and statements from your medical team about your symptoms and restrictions [1][8].
