If you have a spinal cord injury in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what resources are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with a spinal cord injury, your condition must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs require your disability to be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSA uses a medical guide (the Blue Book) to decide if your spinal cord injury is severe enough. You must also meet work and income rules, which vary by program [1].
In Colorado, adults with a spinal cord injury may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if they meet income and disability rules. You can qualify even if you work, as long as your income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The state also offers the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program for those who are actively pursuing SSI but need temporary cash help. AND-SO requires a qualifying disability, Colorado residency, and income/resources limits. You must be between 18 and 59 years old and be actively applying for SSI [2][3].
If you have a spinal cord injury and your disability started before age 26, you may qualify for a Colorado ABLE account. This lets you save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. To qualify, you must be entitled to SSI or SSDI, or self-certify with a doctor’s note [6].
For SSI, your income and resources must be below federal limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, you must have less than $2,000 in resources (unmarried) or $3,000 (married) and be actively pursuing SSI [2][3].
You must report any changes in income, resources, or health to all programs. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment, contact the agency right away to set up a repayment plan. See our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes for more details [internal_link].
Contact Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for free help with applying for disability benefits, job training, and benefits planning.
Yes, you can work and apply for or receive disability benefits in Colorado. Programs like SSDI and SSI have work incentives. Health First Colorado Buy-In lets working adults with disabilities buy health coverage. DVR can help you understand how work affects your benefits [5][7].
You need medical records from your doctor that show your spinal cord injury, its severity, and how it limits your ability to work. Include test results, treatment plans, and notes on your daily living challenges. SSA uses this to decide if you meet their disability criteria [1][8].
The process can take several months to over a year. SSDI and SSI decisions depend on how quickly SSA gets your medical records and reviews your case. Applying online and submitting all documents early can help speed things up [1].
Yes, Colorado’s Health First Colorado Buy-In Program lets working adults with disabilities buy Medicaid coverage. Your premium is based on your income. You do not need an SSA disability determination to apply [2][4].
AND-SO is a state program that gives temporary cash help to low-income adults with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI. The grant is $248 per month. You must be between 18 and 59 and meet income and resource limits [3].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
Yes, you can open a Colorado ABLE account if your disability started before age 26. This lets you save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses [6].
No, you do not need to apply for SSDI before Medicaid. If you have a qualifying disability, you can apply for Health First Colorado directly. If you get SSI or SSDI, you may qualify automatically [2][4].
Report changes to all programs you receive benefits from. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. See our guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes for more details [internal_link].
Yes, veterans with service-connected spinal cord injuries may qualify for VA disability benefits. These can include monthly payments, health care, and other support. Contact the VA for more information [1].
You can get help from Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Centers for Independent Living, and certified benefits counselors. They can help you apply, understand your rights, and plan for work [5][7].
