Overview of SSI Disability Requirements

To qualify for SSI disability benefits in Colorado, you must:

• Be blind or disabled (according to SSA’s standards)
• Have limited income and assets
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• Reside in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands

Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI does not require a work history, but it does impose strict income and asset limits.

Medical Conditions That May Qualify

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, commonly known as the "Blue Book," which includes physical and mental conditions that automatically qualify for benefits if certain criteria are met. Common qualifying conditions include:

Physical Conditions:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: such as chronic back pain, joint disorders, or severe arthritis
• Neurological disorders: like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy
• Cardiovascular conditions: including congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease
• Respiratory illnesses: like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
• Cancer: especially if it's advanced or undergoing intensive treatment
• Sensory impairments: such as legal blindness or hearing loss

Mental Health Conditions:

• Depression or bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia or psychotic disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Intellectual disabilities
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders (if severe and well-documented)

Meeting SSA's Definition of Disability

To receive SSI, your condition must:

• Be medically determinable, diagnosed by a licensed physician or specialist
• Have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)

Even if your condition is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still qualify by demonstrating that your limitations are equivalent in severity to a listed condition.

Proving Eligibility in Colorado

Successfully applying for SSI in Colorado means providing detailed documentation. This includes:

• Recent medical records and treatment history
• Statements from your healthcare providers
• Psychological evaluations (for mental conditions)
• Daily activity limitations or functional capacity evaluations

You must also disclose your financial information, including income, assets, and living situation, to meet the SSI financial criteria.