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Colorado • Neurological/Developmental
If you have a traumatic brain injury in Colorado, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for working adults. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your traumatic brain injury must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments to decide if your condition qualifies. You must also meet work history and income/resource requirements. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. Both programs require medical proof of your disability.
In Colorado, adults with a traumatic brain injury may qualify for several state programs. The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. You must be employed, have a qualifying disability (as defined by SSA), and have income below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. You must be between 18-59, have a qualifying disability, and be actively pursuing SSI benefits.
Step 1: Review SSA’s disability listings to see if your traumatic brain injury qualifies. You’ll need medical proof from a doctor.
Step 2: Collect all required documents: medical records, proof of income, Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Step 4: If you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid, apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. You’ll need to prove your disability and income.
Step 5: If you need interim cash help, apply for the AND-SO program through your county human services office. You must be actively pursuing SSI.
Step 6: Report any changes in your income, work status, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: If you have a disability that started before age 26, consider opening an ABLE account for tax-advantaged savings.
How to Apply for Disability in Colorado (accessed 2025-11-05)
Health First Colorado Buy-In Application (accessed 2025-11-05)
AND-SO Program Application (accessed 2025-11-05)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a work history who can’t work due to a disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with low income and resources, regardless of work history.
Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after 24 months.
Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients.
Veterans’ Disability Benefits: For veterans with service-connected disabilities.
SSA Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05)
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program: Allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on income.
Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO): Provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. Maximum grant is $248/month.
Colorado ABLE Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for those with disabilities that started before age 26.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Helps people with disabilities find work and understand how work affects benefits.
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program (accessed 2025-11-05)
AND-SO Program (accessed 2025-11-05)
Colorado ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-05)
DVR Services (accessed 2025-11-05)
If your traumatic brain injury started before age 26, you may qualify for a Colorado ABLE account. This is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. In Colorado, the AND-SO program has a maximum grant of $248/month. For the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program, your income after disregards must be below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level. For SSDI, your income from work must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,550/month in 2025.
You must report any changes in income, work status, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security or your county human services office as soon as possible.
Contact the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for help applying for disability benefits and understanding how work affects your benefits.
Yes, you can work while applying for or receiving disability benefits in Colorado. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you understand how work affects your benefits. You may also qualify for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program if you work and earn too much for regular Medicaid.
You need medical records from a doctor that show your traumatic brain injury is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration uses a list of impairments to decide if your condition qualifies.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records, proof of income, and proof of Colorado residency.
The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program allows working adults with disabilities to buy into Medicaid, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on your income after disregards.
The AND-SO program provides interim cash assistance to low-income residents with disabilities who are pursuing SSI. The maximum grant is $248/month. You must be actively pursuing SSI benefits.
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 you have a traumatic brain injury in Colorado, you may qualify for Medicaid through Health First Colorado or the Buy-In Program for working adults. You must meet income and disability requirements.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that started before age 26. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Working can affect your disability benefits, but you may still qualify for SSI, SSDI, or the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you understand how work affects your benefits.
Yes, to get AND-SO benefits, you must be actively pursuing SSI benefits. AND-SO is interim cash assistance while you wait for SSI approval.
You must report any changes in income to Social Security or your county human services office as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back.
