Colorado • Mental Health

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Benefits in Colorado

People in Colorado with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply, what documents you need, and where to get help.

OCD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work.
Colorado offers Medicaid through Health First Colorado and a Buy-In Program for working adults with disabilities.
State programs like Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) provide interim cash assistance.
ABLE accounts are available for those with disabilities that began before age 26.
You must report changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working and have paid enough Social Security taxes (usually 40 credits, 20 in the last 10 years) [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. You must have a qualifying disability, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and meet strict income and asset limits [^2].
For both SSDI and SSI, your disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. OCD can qualify if it is severe enough to prevent you from working [^3].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific medical criteria to decide if your OCD is disabling. You will need medical documentation from your doctor or mental health provider [^4].

In Colorado, adults with a disability who work and earn too much for regular Medicaid may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. You must be 16 or older, employed, have a qualifying disability (including OCD), and your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level [^5].
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. You must be 18-59, 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 [^6].
You do not need to be approved for SSDI or SSI to apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. The state will use SSA disability listings to determine eligibility, even if you are not working [^5].
Colorado ABLE accounts are available for people with a qualifying disability that began before age 26. You can self-certify if you are not entitled to SSI or SSDI, but you must have a written diagnosis from a physician [^7].

How to apply in Colorado

Gather your medical records and proof of income.
Decide if you want to apply for SSDI, SSI, or both.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
For Medicaid or the Buy-In Program, apply through Colorado PEAK.
For state cash assistance (AND-SO), contact your county human services office.
Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments [^8].

Step 1: Collect Documentation
- Get medical records from your doctor or mental health provider that show your OCD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
- Gather proof of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
- Have your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency ready.
Step 2: Choose Your Program(s)
- If you have a work history, apply for SSDI.
- If you have low income and limited resources, apply for SSI.
- If you work and need health insurance, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program.
- If you need interim cash assistance while waiting for SSI, apply for AND-SO.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
- Apply for Medicaid or the Buy-In Program through Colorado PEAK.
- Apply for AND-SO through your county human services office.
Step 4: Follow Up
- Respond to any requests for more information from Social Security or the state.
- Attend any required interviews or medical exams.
- Report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments [^8].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have a work history. You may also qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. You may also qualify for Medicaid [^2].
Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI for 24 months or more [^9].
Medicaid: Health insurance for people with disabilities who have low income. In Colorado, this is called Health First Colorado [^10].

Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities: Allows adults with a disability who work to buy into Medicaid. You pay a monthly premium based on your income [^5].
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents with a disability who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. The grant standard is $248 per month [^6].
Colorado ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26. You can use these funds for qualified disability expenses [^7].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Colorado offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care. These waivers can help pay for services like personal care, home modifications, and more [^11].

Money & Banking

Colorado ABLE accounts are available for people with a qualifying disability that began before age 26. You can self-certify if you are not entitled to SSI or SSDI, but you must have a written diagnosis from a physician [^7].
You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account without affecting your SSI eligibility. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, transportation, and more [^7].

For SSI, individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources, and couples can have up to $3,000. Your primary home and one vehicle do not count toward this limit [^2].
For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level [^5].
For AND-SO, the maximum resource limit is $2,000 for an unmarried person and $3,000 for a married person [^6].

You must report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to Social Security and the state. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties [^8].
If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [^8].

Tips & Gotchas

Get Help Applying

If you need help with your application, contact a certified benefits counselor or your local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office. They can help you understand your options and fill out the forms correctly.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm
Website
For questions about SSDI or SSI.
Colorado Department of Human Services
Phone: 1-800-697-6384
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Website
For questions about state programs like AND-SO or Medicaid.
Health First Colorado
Phone: 1-800-221-3943
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Website
For questions about Medicaid or the Buy-In Program.

FAQs

Can Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder qualify for disability benefits in Colorado?
Yes, OCD can qualify for disability benefits in Colorado if it is severe enough to prevent you from working. You will need medical documentation from your doctor or mental health provider to prove your disability [^3].
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI in Colorado?
SSDI is for people with disabilities who have a work history and have paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history [^1][^2].
How do I apply for disability benefits in Colorado?
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid or the Buy-In Program, apply through Colorado PEAK. For state cash assistance, contact your county human services office [^8].
What is the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities?
This program allows adults with a disability who work and earn too much for regular Medicaid to buy into Health First Colorado. You pay a monthly premium based on your income [^5].
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 who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. The grant standard is $248 per month [^6].
Can I get an ABLE account in Colorado if I have OCD?
Yes, you can get an ABLE account in Colorado if your OCD began before age 26. You can self-certify if you are not entitled to SSI or SSDI, but you must have a written diagnosis from a physician [^7].

Official resources

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)(federal)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)(federal)
Social Security Disability Qualifying Conditions(federal)
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities(state_agency)
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO)(state_agency)
Medicare(federal)
Medicaid(federal)

Related Purple guides

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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 advice specific to your situation.

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