Rett Syndrome Benefits in Colorado: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the Social Security Administration's work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years) [1]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and a qualifying disability that severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities [1]. Rett Syndrome is considered a qualifying disability if it meets the SSA's criteria for marked and severe functional limitations [1].

In Colorado, adults with Rett Syndrome may qualify for state-specific programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to enroll in Medicaid if they are employed, have a qualifying disability (including Rett Syndrome), and meet income limits (up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level) [2]. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits, have a qualifying disability, and meet resource limits ($2,000 for single, $3,000 for married) [3]. Colorado also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26, including those with Rett Syndrome [6].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person.
• For Health First Colorado, apply online or through your county human services office.
• For AND-SO, contact your county human services office.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the Colorado ABLE website [6].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including a physician's diagnosis of Rett Syndrome and records of how it affects daily activities.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You can also get help from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) or Centers for Independent Living [5].
• Step 3: If you are working and need health insurance, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program through the Health First Colorado website or your county office. You may need to complete a disability application if you don't have an SSA determination [2].
• Step 4: If you need interim cash assistance, apply for the AND-SO program through your county human services office. You must be actively pursuing SSI benefits and meet income and resource limits [3].
• Step 5: Consider opening a Colorado ABLE account if you have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. You can self-certify or provide proof of SSI/SSDI eligibility [6].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income or employment to avoid overpayments and ensure continued eligibility [7].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Provides monthly cash benefits and Medicare after 24 months [1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and resources. Provides monthly cash benefits and Medicaid eligibility [1].
• Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability [1].
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients and others who meet income and disability criteria [1].

• Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if they are employed, have a qualifying disability, and meet income limits (up to 450% FPL). Monthly premiums are based on income [2].
• Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance ($248/month) to low-income residents with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. Must meet resource limits and be actively pursuing SSI [3].
• Colorado ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26. Can be used for qualified disability expenses [6].
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Offers help with applying for disability benefits, finding jobs, and understanding how work affects benefits [5].

Colorado ABLE accounts are available to people with disabilities that began before age 26, including those with Rett Syndrome. You can qualify by being entitled to SSI/SSDI or by self-certifying with a physician's diagnosis. ABLE accounts allow tax-advantaged savings for qualified disability expenses [6].

For SSI, income and resource limits are set by federal law. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level after disregards. For AND-SO, resource limits are $2,000 for single, $3,000 for married [3].

It is important to report changes in income, employment, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Always report changes promptly to your county human services office or SSA [7].

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

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI
• Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
  Phone: 1-303-981-1236

  Website

  Help with disability applications and work planning
• Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-800-221-3943

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and Buy-In Program

• Does Rett Syndrome automatically qualify for disability benefits in Colorado?

  Rett Syndrome is considered a qualifying disability if it causes marked and severe functional limitations. You must provide medical documentation and meet SSA or state criteria for SSI, SSDI, or other programs [1][2][3].

• Can I work and still receive disability benefits in Colorado?

  Yes, Colorado has programs like the Health First Colorado Buy-In and work incentives that allow you to work while receiving disability benefits. Your benefits may be adjusted based on income [2][5].

• How do I apply for Medicaid if I have Rett Syndrome in Colorado?

  Apply for Health First Colorado online or through your county human services office. If you are working, you may qualify for the Buy-In Program. You may need to complete a disability application if you don't have an SSA determination [2][4].

• What is the AND-SO program in Colorado?

  AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI benefits. The grant is $248/month, and you must meet resource limits and be actively pursuing SSI [3].

• Can I get help with the application process in Colorado?

  Yes, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Centers for Independent Living can help you apply for disability benefits, find jobs, and understand how work affects benefits [5].

• What is a Colorado ABLE account?

  A Colorado ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that began before age 26. You can use it for qualified disability expenses and may qualify by SSI/SSDI eligibility or self-certification [6].