Qualifications for Disability in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Human Services- Disability Determination Services Agency makes disability benefits decisions for the Federal Department of Social Security. In order to qualify for disability benefits in the state of Colorado, applicants are assessed based on the following criteria: whether or not applicants meet Social Security's definition of disability; number of social security work credits accumulated; eligibility requirements for medical conditions that meet Social Security disability criteria. Social security only pays for total disability. Applicants with partial disability may qualify for other benefits such as unemployment insurance.

Definition of Disability

• The definition of disability is based on the applicant's inability to work. In order to qualify for disability benefits, applicants must have worked for employers in jobs which are covered by social security benefits. According to Social Security rules, applicants are considered disabled if they can’t do work that they previously did. The Department decides whether applicants can adjust to other types of work and if they have a disability due to a medical condition. The medical condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. The disability must also have lasted or be expected to last for one year in duration, or is expected to result in death.

Social Security Work Credits

• The amount of Social Security work credits applicants can claim depends on how long and how recently they have worked. Work credits are based on total yearly wages or self employment income; applicants can earn up to four credits a year. The amount of income needed to claim a work credit changes from year to year and varies depending on age of the applicant when disabled. Younger workers who are less than 24 years of age may qualify by earning six credits in the three year period preceding the disability; applicants age 24 to 31 may receive credit based on half the time they have worked between the age of 24 and 31. Applicants 31 and older may receive 20 to 40 credits based on age and year of disability.

Assessment of Disability Qualification Requirements

• The disability qualification process involves a five step assessment process. If an applicant’s income in the current calendar year is more than monthly eligibility criteria, their claim is denied. Applicants who meet income eligibility criteria have the severity of their condition assessed to determine if the condition interfere with work related tasks and activities. Any condition found on the list of disabling conditions results in eligibility for disability benefits. There are fourteen categories of disability: musculoskeletal, special senses and speech; respiratory system; cardiovascular system; digestive system; genitourinary impairments; hematological disorders; skin disorders; endocrine system; impairments that affect multiple body systems; neurological; mental disorders; malignant neoplastic diseases; and immune system disorders.

  If a condition is not on the list, the condition will be assessed to see if it can be classified as having equal severity to a medical condition on the list. The department may make compassionate allowances or enable a quick disability determinations process, depending on the condition.

  Applicants are also assessed regarding whether they have the ability, capacity and capability to do the work they previously did or to do other types of work. The applicants work history is reviewed by the department to help aid in the decision.

Other Special Situations

• People who are blind or have low vision, disabled widows or widowers, disabled children, and military service members may receive expedited services or other special considerations regarding qualification for disability benefits.