This guide explains Colorado disability benefits for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts, plus how to apply and what you need to know about eligibility, payments, and work incentives.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Rheumatoid Arthritis, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits—typically 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is based on financial need, not work history. The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition of disability that includes severe, ongoing limitations caused by RA[9]. Both programs require medical evidence of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
Colorado uses the same disability rules as the federal government for SSI and SSDI, but may also offer state Medicaid (Health First Colorado) to people who don’t qualify for SSI/SSDI due to income or work history. Colorado’s Medicaid program may make its own disability determination using federal guidelines—you do not need to already receive SSI/SSDI to apply for Health First Colorado[4]. For Health First Colorado, you must be a Colorado resident and meet income/assets rules. Colorado’s Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities allows employed individuals with a disability (including Rheumatoid Arthritis) to access Medicaid by paying a monthly premium, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid[2]. There is also the Colorado ABLE program for those who became disabled before age 26 and are already receiving SSI or SSDI[3].
You can apply for SSI/SSDI online at the Social Security website, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office[1]. For Colorado Medicaid, apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK or call 14 1-800-221-3943. If you already get SSI/SSDI and want Medicaid, update your information with your county or on PEAK[4]. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, start with the online Medicaid application—special rules let working people with higher income qualify[2]. Colorado ABLE accounts can be opened online at ColoradoABLE.org[3].
Federal (SSI/SSDI) Application Steps
Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) Application Steps
Colorado ABLE Account
After Application
Two main federal programs help people with Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Colorado offers several programs for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including Rheumatoid Arthritis) save money tax-free without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. To qualify, you must be eligible for SSI or SSDI and your disability must have started before age 26[3]. You or a family member can open and contribute to the account. Savings up to $100,000 do not count toward SSI asset limits. Use ColoradoABLE.org to open an account and for more details.
Tip: Colorado offers $25 for opening a new ABLE account in good order by June 30, 2026[3].
Income limits vary by program. For SSI, monthly income is currently very low (about $943/month for individuals in 2025), but some income and resources are not counted. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must have enough work credits. Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) has income and asset limits—contact your county for details. The Buy-In program allows higher income (up to 450% of the federal poverty level) if you are working and have a disability[2]. Always report changes in income—ask a benefits counselor if you have questions.
You must report changes in income, living situation, work status, or health to SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Colorado’s PEAK system lets you update information online. For help, contact a certified benefits counselor or your county human services office. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or work status to SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Failing to do so can result in overpayments and penalties. Use Colorado’s PEAK system or contact your caseworker to update your information.
Colorado’s Health First Colorado Buy-In Program lets working adults with disabilities—including Rheumatoid Arthritis—access Medicaid even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. You may also qualify for work incentives under SSI and SSDI.
Colorado ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility, as long as the disability started before age 26. Open an account at ColoradoABLE.org.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without immediately losing benefits. Colorado’s Health First Colorado Buy-In Program is specifically for working adults with disabilities and allows higher income limits[2]. Always report earnings to avoid overpayments.
No. You can apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) directly. If you do not have a federal disability determination, Colorado will make its own decision using the same medical criteria[4]. However, if you already get SSI or SSDI, you should notify Medicaid—no separate disability application is needed[4].
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid. To qualify, you must be getting SSI or SSDI[3]. You can open an account at ColoradoABLE.org.
Federal disability decisions (SSI/SSDI) usually take 3–6 months, sometimes longer for appeals. Colorado’s Medicaid disability determination may take a similar amount of time, depending on your case and how quickly you provide medical evidence.
You can appeal. Contact Social Security or a disability advocate for help. Many people are approved after appeal. Colorado’s Disability Determination Services reviews medical evidence, but does not handle the application or appeals process[5].
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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Gather all medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, medications, lab results, and how RA limits your daily activities and ability to work. Doctor’s notes and functional assessments are important. Both federal and Colorado programs use strict medical criteria.
Yes, programs like Section 8 and public housing may help. Contact your local housing authority and ask about disability preferences[7].
You must report changes to SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Failing to report can cause overpayments that you may have to repay. Use Colorado’s PEAK system or contact your caseworker.
Colorado does not have a state short-term disability program, but some employers offer private coverage. State employees may have different options[6]. Check with your employer for details.
Contact a certified benefits counselor, your county human services office, or call Ability Connection Colorado at 1-303-691-9339 for free help with work and benefits questions[7].
