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Colorado • Speech/Language
If you have a speech impairment in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with a speech impairment, you must have a medically determinable condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific listings to determine if a speech impairment qualifies, such as severe communication disorders that significantly limit daily activities. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status and residency in Colorado.
In Colorado, adults with a speech impairment may qualify for several state programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is above standard limits but below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a qualifying disability as defined by SSA. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with a disability that prevents work, while they pursue SSI benefits. AND-SO requires active pursuit of SSI, Colorado residency, and a qualifying disability expected to last at least six months. Colorado ABLE accounts are available for those with a qualifying disability onset before age 26, including those with speech impairments.
[Source: HCPF.colorado.gov, CDHS.colorado.gov, Coloradoable.org](https://hcpf.colorado.gov/buy-in-program-working-adults-disabilities, https://cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-financial-programs, https://www.coloradoable.org/who-is-eligible/)
Each program has specific forms and requirements. Always report changes in income or employment.
Each application will be reviewed for eligibility. You may be asked for additional information or to attend an interview.
[Source: Impactdisabilitylaw.com, HCPF.colorado.gov, CDHS.colorado.gov, Coloradoable.org, SSA.gov](https://impactdisabilitylaw.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-disability-in-colorado, https://hcpf.colorado.gov/buy-in-program-working-adults-disabilities, https://cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-financial-programs, https://www.coloradoable.org/who-is-eligible/, https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html)
[Source: HCPF.colorado.gov, CDHS.colorado.gov, Coloradoable.org](https://hcpf.colorado.gov/buy-in-program-working-adults-disabilities, https://cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-financial-programs, https://www.coloradoable.org/who-is-eligible/)
Colorado ABLE accounts are available for individuals with a qualifying disability onset before age 26. You must have a qualifying disability, demonstrated by entitlement to SSI or SSDI, or self-certification of a similarly severe disability with a written diagnosis from a physician. ABLE accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses.
For SSI, individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources, couples up to $3,000. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, income must be low enough to qualify for interim assistance while pursuing SSI.
[Source: Impactdisabilitylaw.com, HCPF.colorado.gov, CDHS.colorado.gov](https://impactdisabilitylaw.com/blog/qualifying-for-disability-in-colorado, https://hcpf.colorado.gov/buy-in-program-working-adults-disabilities, https://cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-financial-programs)
Always report changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Health First Colorado, or your county human services office as soon as possible.
Contact your county human services office or call Ability Connection Colorado at 1-303-691-9339 for expert help with benefits and applications.
Yes, a speech impairment can qualify if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability. This means it must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity and expected to last at least one year or result in death. Medical documentation is required.
SSDI is for those with a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both require a qualifying disability.
Apply online at Colorado.gov/PEAK or at your county office. If you do not have a current disability determination, complete the Health First Colorado Disability Application. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a qualifying disability.
It allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is above standard limits but below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. You must be 16 or older, employed, and have a qualifying disability.
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with a disability that prevents work, while they pursue SSI benefits. The grant standard is $248.00 per month. You must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Yes, if your speech impairment onset was before age 26 and you meet the qualifying disability criteria. You can apply through the Colorado ABLE program website.
Working can affect your benefits. SSDI has a trial work period and extended eligibility. SSI has income limits and work incentives. Always report changes in employment to avoid overpayments.
You need a diagnosis from a physician, records of treatment, and any evaluations or tests related to your speech impairment. The documentation should show the severity and expected duration of your condition.
The process can take several months. SSDI and SSI decisions may take 3-6 months. Medicaid and state program decisions may be faster. You may be asked for additional information or to attend an interview.
You can appeal the decision. Contact Social Security, Health First Colorado, or your county human services office for information on the appeals process. You may need to provide additional documentation or attend a hearing.
