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Colorado • Mental Health
If you have Panic Disorder in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and more. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition. Panic Disorder can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months [^1].
In Colorado, you can qualify for Medicaid if you have a disability, low income, and low resources. If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, you may qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities. You must be 16 or older, employed, have a qualifying disability (including Panic Disorder), and your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You do not need to apply for Social Security disability to qualify for this program [^2]. Colorado also offers interim cash assistance through the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program for those actively pursuing SSI benefits [^3].
The main federal disability programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly benefits and Medicare to those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI provides monthly benefits to those with limited income and resources. Both programs require a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months [^1].
Colorado offers several programs for people with disabilities:
Colorado ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. To be eligible, you must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet Social Security’s definition of disability. You can self-certify or have a physician diagnosis [^6].
For SSI and disability-based Medicaid, countable income must be below $967 per month for individuals. For the Medicaid Buy-In Program, income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. Resources must be below $2,000 for individuals for SSI and Medicaid, but the Buy-In Program has no resource limit [^2][^5].
Always report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much, you may have to repay the excess. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits [^4].
Contact your local county office or a disability advocate for help with the application process.
Yes, Panic Disorder can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must provide medical documentation to support your claim [^1].
You can apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply online or by mail. If you work, check if you qualify for the Medicaid Buy-In Program [^1][^2].
The Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if they earn too much for regular Medicaid. Income limit is 450% of the Federal Poverty Level, and there is no resource limit [^2].
Yes, Colorado offers interim cash assistance through the AND-SO program for those actively pursuing SSI benefits. The maximum grant is $248 per month [^3].
For SSI and disability-based Medicaid, countable income must be below $967 per month for individuals. For the Medicaid Buy-In Program, income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level [^2][^5].
No, you do not need to apply for Social Security disability to get Medicaid in Colorado. If you have a qualifying disability, you can apply for Medicaid directly [^2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You must have a disability that started before age 26 and meet Social Security’s definition of disability [^6].
Always report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person [^4].
Yes, Colorado offers programs like the Medicaid Buy-In Program that allow you to work and still get benefits. There are also work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients [^2][^7].
If you are denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for help [^1].
