Types of Disability Benefits for Colorado Residents

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. The benefits you receive will depend on your work history and income level.

• Eligibility: Must have a sufficient work history and meet the SSA’s disability criteria.
• Amount: Based on your average lifetime earnings.
• How to Apply: Applications can be made online via the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or in-person at your local SSA office.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is another federal program, but it is needs-based, and you do not need to have a work history to qualify. Instead, SSI provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged and have limited income and resources.

• Eligibility: Based on financial need, with low income and limited resources.
• Amount: Varies based on income, but there are federal and state supplements.
• How to Apply: SSI applications can also be made online or in person with the SSA.

Colorado Disability Benefits (State-Specific Programs)

While Colorado primarily relies on federal programs like SSDI and SSI, the state also provides some additional resources and support for disabled residents. These benefits include assistance for medical care, transportation, and state-funded financial aid programs.

• Colorado's Medicaid Program: Medicaid in Colorado provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. If you are eligible for SSI, you may also be eligible for Medicaid benefits in Colorado.
• Colorado Disability Benefits: The state offers a disability program that helps with additional financial support for individuals with low income. This program is designed to ensure that disabled individuals receive adequate living assistance.
• State Employment Services: Colorado offers employment and training programs for disabled individuals who wish to work but need accommodations or additional support. The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can provide training, job placement assistance, and financial support.

Colorado State Disability Benefits for Workers’ Compensation

If your disability is the result of a workplace injury, Colorado offers workers' compensation benefits. These benefits provide financial support and medical care to workers who are injured on the job.

• Eligibility: You must be injured at work or have a disability caused by your job duties.
• Amount: Covers a portion of lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs.
• How to Apply: Contact your employer’s workers' compensation insurer or the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC).

The Colorado Long-Term Care Partnership Program

This program helps residents plan for long-term care needs, such as nursing home care, by allowing residents to use Medicaid benefits after they exhaust private insurance policies for long-term care.

• Eligibility: Available for individuals who purchase qualified long-term care insurance and meet the eligibility requirements.
• Benefits: The program helps protect assets while providing coverage for long-term care needs.