Parkinson’s Disease Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and have earned enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Parkinson’s Disease is listed as a qualifying condition if it meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for severity and duration [1].

Both programs require a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional and documentation showing your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [1].

In Colorado, adults with Parkinson’s Disease may qualify for state programs if they meet specific criteria. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents aged 18–59 with a qualifying disability, while they pursue SSI benefits. Applicants must be Colorado residents, have a disability expected to last 6 months or longer, and meet income and resource limits [2].

The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to enroll in Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You do not need to be receiving SSI or SSDI to qualify, but you must have a qualifying disability determination [3].

1. Gather medical records and work history.
2. Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person.
3. Complete the Health First Colorado application if you need Medicaid.
4. Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help with the process.
5. Report all changes in income or health to avoid overpayments [4].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes for Parkinson’s Disease.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI through the Social Security Administration website, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local office. You can create an online account to track your application [4].
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid, complete the Health First Colorado application online or by mail. If you do not have a current disability determination, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application [3].
• Step 4: For state cash assistance (AND-SO), apply through your county human services office. You must be actively pursuing SSI benefits and meet income and resource limits [2].
• Step 5: Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help with the application process, work incentives, and benefits planning [5].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, employment, or health to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility [6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Includes Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Includes Medicaid in most states.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and low-income individuals with disabilities [1].

• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Interim cash assistance for low-income Colorado residents aged 18–59 with a qualifying disability. Maximum grant is $248 per month. Applicants must be actively pursuing SSI benefits [2].
• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Medicaid coverage for working adults with disabilities. Income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. Monthly premiums are based on income [3].
• Colorado ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Eligibility requires a qualifying disability (SSI/SSDI or self-certification) and a physician’s diagnosis. Disability must have started before age 26 [7].

Colorado ABLE accounts allow people with Parkinson’s Disease to save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability (SSI/SSDI or self-certification) and a physician’s diagnosis. The disability must have started before age 26 [7].

• AND-SO: Maximum resources are $2,000 for an unmarried person and $3,000 for a married person. Income from wages, Social Security, SSI, or Veteran’s benefits may reduce the AND-SO payment [2].
• Health First Colorado Buy-In: Income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after disregards. Additional income may be disregarded [3].

You must report changes in income, employment, or health to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA website or contact your county human services office to report changes [6].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI, report changes, get help with benefits.
• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
  Phone: 1-800-266-6615

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Get help applying for disability, work incentives, and benefits planning.
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, report changes, get help with coverage.

• Can I work while applying for disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, you can work while applying for or receiving disability benefits. Colorado’s programs, including SSDI and SSI, have work incentives that allow you to earn income without losing all benefits. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you understand how work affects your benefits [5].

• What medical evidence do I need for Parkinson’s Disease?

  You need a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional, treatment records, and documentation showing your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration uses specific criteria to determine if Parkinson’s Disease qualifies as a disability [1].

• How long does it take to get disability benefits in Colorado?

  The processing time for disability benefits varies. SSDI and SSI applications can take several months to a year. You can check the status of your application online or by calling the Social Security Administration [4].

• Do I need to be receiving SSI or SSDI to get Medicaid in Colorado?

  No, you do not need to be receiving SSI or SSDI to get Medicaid in Colorado. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to enroll if they meet income and disability criteria, even if they are not receiving SSI or SSDI [3].

• What is the AND-SO program in Colorado?

  The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income Colorado residents aged 18–59 with a qualifying disability. Applicants must be actively pursuing SSI benefits and meet income and resource limits [2].