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Colorado • Neurological/Developmental
People with Tourette Syndrome in Colorado may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on limited income and resources, and your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Tourette Syndrome may qualify if it causes marked and severe functional limitations, as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA)[^1].
In Colorado, adults with Tourette Syndrome may qualify for state programs if they meet federal disability criteria. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance for those actively pursuing SSI, with a maximum resource limit of $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples. Applicants must be Colorado residents, aged 18-59, and have a qualifying disability expected to last at least 6 months[^2][^3].
Colorado ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26, demonstrated by SSI/SSDI entitlement or self-certification with a physician’s diagnosis[^6].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. For Health First Colorado Buy-In, income must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For AND-SO, resources must be under $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples[^2][^3].
Report changes in income, resources, or employment to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to understand how work affects your benefits[^1][^7].
Contact the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help applying for disability benefits and understanding how work affects your benefits.
Yes, Tourette Syndrome can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations. You must provide medical documentation showing how it affects your daily activities[^1][^8].
It allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. Premiums are based on income, and you don’t need a Social Security disability determination[^2].
AND-SO provides interim cash assistance for low-income Colorado residents with disabilities who are actively pursuing SSI. Must be aged 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and meet resource limits[^3].
Yes, you can work while applying for or receiving disability benefits. Work incentives allow some to earn income without losing benefits. Contact DVR for help understanding how work affects your benefits[^5][^7].
Complete the Health First Colorado application. If you don’t have a Social Security disability determination, fill out the Health First Colorado Disability Application. Premiums are based on income[^2][^4].
A Colorado ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses. Must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26, demonstrated by SSI/SSDI entitlement or self-certification with a physician’s diagnosis[^6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official sources or a benefits counselor for personalized advice.
You need medical records showing your Tourette Syndrome diagnosis and how it limits your daily activities. A written diagnosis from a physician is required for ABLE accounts[^6].
The process can take several months. Applying online and providing complete documentation can help speed up the process. Contact DVR for help applying[^1][^5].
Yes, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can help you apply for disability benefits and understand how work affects your benefits. Contact your local DVR office for assistance[^5][^7].
Report changes in income, resources, or employment to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to understand how work affects your benefits[^1][^7].
