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Colorado • Physical/Mobility
People with Spina Bifida in Colorado may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Spina Bifida is listed as a qualifying condition in the SSA Blue Book. You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your disability, and it must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA uses a five-step process to determine eligibility, including medical evidence and work history. [^1]
In Colorado, adults with Spina Bifida may qualify for several state programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. You must be employed, have a qualifying disability (such as Spina Bifida), and your income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance for those with disabilities who are pursuing SSI benefits. You must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI. [^2][^3]
Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, proof of disability, and income information. For Spina Bifida, you may need a doctor’s statement confirming your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
Apply for Health First Colorado: Complete the Health First Colorado application online or by phone. If you do not have a current disability determination from SSA, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application. The state will determine if you qualify using SSA listings.
Apply for SSI or SSDI: Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. If you are already receiving SSI or SSDI, you do not need to complete a separate disability application for Health First Colorado.
Consider the Buy-In Program: If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. You must be employed and have a qualifying disability.
Seek Help: Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help with applying for benefits, finding work, and understanding how work affects your benefits. [^1][^2][^5][^6]
Federal programs for people with Spina Bifida include:
These programs provide financial and health support for people with Spina Bifida. [^1][^8]
Colorado offers several programs for people with Spina Bifida:
These programs help with health care, cash assistance, and savings. [^2][^3][^4]
Colorado ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid benefits. To be eligible, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI and have a disability before age 26. You can open an account for yourself or have an authorized person open one for you. There is a $25 bonus for new accounts opened by June 30, 2026. [^4]
For SSI, the income limit is based on the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). For Health First Colorado, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level for the Buy-In Program. For AND-SO, resources must be under $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples. [^2][^3]
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to pay back the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI and SSDI, report changes to the Social Security Administration. For Medicaid, report changes to your county human services department. [^7]
Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for free help with applying for disability benefits, finding work, and understanding how work affects your benefits.
People with Spina Bifida in Colorado can apply for SSI and SSDI. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits and may include health insurance. [^1][^8]
Apply for Health First Colorado online or by phone. If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify. If not, complete the Health First Colorado Disability Application. The state will determine if you qualify using SSA listings. [^2][^5]
Yes, you can work and receive disability benefits in Colorado. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy Medicaid coverage. Work incentives for SSI and SSDI let you keep some benefits while working. [^2][^6]
AND-SO is a Colorado program that provides interim cash assistance for people with disabilities who are pursuing SSI benefits. The grant is $248 per month. You must be 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI. [^3]
To qualify for a Colorado ABLE account, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI and have a disability before age 26. You can open an account for yourself or have an authorized person open one for you. [^4]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You need medical records and a doctor’s statement confirming your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. For Spina Bifida, this may include imaging studies, surgical reports, and notes from specialists. [^1]
The time to get disability benefits varies. SSI and SSDI applications can take several months. Health First Colorado applications are usually processed within 45 days. [^1][^2]
Yes, you can get help from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Centers for Independent Living, and certified benefits counselors. They can help you apply for benefits and understand how work affects your benefits. [^6][^7]
If your income changes, report it to the Social Security Administration for SSI and SSDI, and to your county human services department for Medicaid. Changes can affect your benefits and may cause overpayments. [^7]
Yes, Colorado offers work incentives for people with disabilities. These include the Ticket to Work program, work supports, and benefits planning. You can work and keep some benefits while earning income. [^6][^7]
