If you live in Colorado with Prader-Willi Syndrome, you may be eligible for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and other financial assistance. This guide details Colorado-specific programs, eligibility, how to apply, and advice on ABLE accounts, plus links to state and federal resources.
To qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you must have a work history and have enough Social Security credits—usually 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Prader-Willi Syndrome and its complications must significantly limit your ability to work, and your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you must have very limited income and resources—currently, under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple—and meet disability criteria similar to SSDI but without the work requirement. Some assets, like your primary home and vehicle, are usually excluded from the resource limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen, and live in one of the 50 states, D.C., or Northern Mariana Islands[4][8]. Children with disabilities like Prader-Willi Syndrome may also qualify for SSI.
In Colorado, you may get interim cash help through the Aid to the Needy Disabled–State Only (AND-SO) program if you are 18–59, have a qualifying disability expected to last 6+ months, and are actively pursuing SSI. The program considers your income and resources, and your maximum benefit is $248/month as of 2025. Colorado also offers the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities, allowing people with a qualifying disability (including Prader-Willi Syndrome) to buy into Medicaid if they work and their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you already get SSI or SSDI, you’re usually eligible for Colorado Medicaid without a new disability application[2][3][5]. Colorado residents with Prader-Willi Syndrome should also consider ABLE accounts for savings without affecting eligibility for means-tested programs[6].
Start your Colorado disability benefits application by gathering medical records about your Prader-Willi Syndrome, work history (if any), and financial information. Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. For state programs, call your county human services office or apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK. If denied, consider appealing or contacting a disability attorney or advocate. If you’re working, check eligibility for Colorado’s Medicaid Buy-In Program for Adults with Disabilities[2]. If you need interim help while waiting, apply for the Aid to the Needy Disabled–State Only (AND-SO) program[3].
1. Gather Documents: Collect medical records, work history, income statements, and proof of Colorado residency. For SSI/SSDI, you must show Prader-Willi Syndrome severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months. 2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Go to ssa.gov to start your application, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Online is the fastest way. 3. Apply for Colorado Medicaid: Complete the Health First Colorado (Medicaid) application at Colorado.gov/PEAK or your county office. If you already get SSI/SSDI, you likely qualify for Medicaid automatically—just report your status. 4. Interim Cash Assistance (AND-SO): If you’re 18–59 and waiting for SSI, apply for AND-SO through your county office. You’ll need to prove you’re actively pursuing SSI. 5. Medicaid Buy-In for Working Adults: If you work, use the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program application if your income is too high for regular Medicaid but under 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. 6. Disability Determination: If your disability is not already recognized by Social Security (for example, children or new applicants), Colorado’s Action Review Group will review your medical records to see if you qualify for state programs[2][3][5]. 7. Appeals: If denied, you can appeal. Get help from a benefits counselor or legal aid. 8. Monitor & Report Changes: Once approved, keep track of income, job status, and living situation. Report all changes to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits—see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for tips.
SSDI provides monthly income and Medicare after a 24-month waiting period if your work history is sufficient[1]. SSI is a needs-based benefit for those with little income/resources, also providing Medicaid in most states[4]. ABLE accounts let people whose disability began before age 26 save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits[6]. Veterans Disability is available if Prader-Willi Syndrome is related to military service[1]. Medicare provides health coverage for people with SSDI after a qualifying period[7].
Health First Colorado (Medicaid): Main health program for low-income Coloradans, including children and adults with disabilities like Prader-Willi Syndrome[2][5]. Those on SSI usually qualify automatically. Medicaid Buy-In Program: Working adults with disabilities (income up to 450% FPL) can buy into Medicaid by paying a premium based on income[2]. Aid to the Needy Disabled–State Only (AND-SO): Provides up to $248/month in cash assistance to adults 18–59 with disabilities who can’t work, while they wait for SSI approval[3][9]. Colorado ABLE Accounts: State-managed ABLE accounts to help people with disabilities save without losing benefits; you must have a qualifying disability, and it must have started before age 26[6]. Vocational Rehabilitation: The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs[7]. SNAP (Food Assistance): Prader-Willi Syndrome families with low income may qualify for SNAP, but note that benefits may be delayed—check with the Colorado Department of Human Services for updates[3].
Colorado ABLE Accounts help people with disabilities (disability onset before age 26) save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You must have a qualifying disability under SSI/SSDI rules or provide a physician’s certification. Earnings and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free[6]. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
SSI: For 2025, countable income must be very low, and resources under $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (couple). Some assets (home, car) don’t count. AND-SO: Income and resources are considered, but not all income reduces the benefit[3][4]. Medicaid Buy-In: Income up to 450% of Federal Poverty Level qualifies, with premiums based on income[2]. Earnings limits: For SSDI/SSI, $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind) in 2025—earning more may affect benefits[4]. Always report income changes promptly.
If your income, employment, or living situation changes, report immediately to Social Security (for SSI/SSDI) or your county office (for Colorado programs). Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes has practical steps and templates to help you stay compliant.
Colorado ABLE accounts help people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money safely—without losing SSI or Medicaid. Earnings and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. This is especially helpful for Prader-Willi Syndrome families planning for education, housing, transportation, and other needs[6].
Prader-Willi Syndrome may qualify for all federal and Colorado disability programs if it causes severe, long-term work limitations. Colorado offers flexible Medicaid and cash help while you wait for SSI approval, plus work supports and ABLE savings. If you’re working, you may still qualify for health coverage under the Medicaid Buy-In program—don’t assume you have to choose between work and health insurance[2][3].
Yes. Prader-Willi Syndrome, if it severely limits your ability to work, is recognized under federal disability criteria—whether you apply for SSI (needs-based) or SSDI (work history). Colorado uses the same federal disability standard[4][5].
Yes. Children with significant disabilities—including Prader-Willi Syndrome—are eligible for SSI and automatically qualify for Colorado Medicaid if approved. Family income and resources must be below SSI limits[4]. For childhood SSI, the disability must cause marked and severe functional limitations.
As of 2025, the maximum is $248 per month for eligible adults aged 18–59 who are waiting for SSI. Actual payment depends on your income and resources[3][9].
Yes. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program lets working adults with disabilities buy into Medicaid if their income is too high for regular Medicaid but below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You must have a qualifying disability and be employed[2].
You can appeal the decision. Many people are denied at first but succeed on appeal. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate. Colorado’s AND-SO program may provide interim assistance while you appeal[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. Colorado ABLE accounts let people with qualifying disabilities (onset before age 26) save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI or Medicaid. Look for ABLE accounts through the Colorado State Treasurer’s office[6].
If you’re approved for SSI/SSDI, you likely qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) automatically. Just report your status to your county or at Colorado.gov/PEAK. You may not need a separate disability application[5].
For most programs, you must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Some qualified noncitizens may also be eligible for SSI and Medicaid, but rules are complex. Always check with Social Security or your county for details[3][4].
Yes. Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. There are also SSI/SSDI work incentives—see our guide for details[7].
Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and things you can easily convert to cash. Usually, one home and one vehicle do not count. Always check with Social Security or your county for specifics, as definitions can change[3][4].
