Disability Benefits and Resources in Colorado

Colorado residents who can no longer work due to illness or injury, could be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These federal programs are a type of long-term disability benefits that provide monthly cash payments to people who are unable to work full-time for at least one year.

SSDI benefits are available to people with disabilities who've paid into the program by way of Social Security taxes, usually through paycheck deductions. You won't be able to receive SSDI if you haven't worked in a while, but you may qualify for SSI if you have limited assets and income. Before you apply, you should be aware of the eligibility requirements and disability determination process in order to increase your chances of getting approved for benefits.

Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits in Colorado?

Social Security awards benefits to applicants who have a medically determinable impairment that keeps them from earning at or above the level of substantial gainful activity for twelve months or longer. Applicants may be found disabled if their impairment meets a listing or they have a residual functional capacity that rules out all regular work.

If you have a medical condition that isn't going to last for at least a year or your condition doesn't keep you from earning $1,620 per month, you won't qualify for SSDI or SSI. However, you might be covered under employer-provided private long- or short-term disability insurance. Veterans who have a service-connected disability may qualify for compensation from the VA.

How to Apply for SSDI or SSI Disability in Colorado

You have several options to choose from if you would like to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

• File online using the agency's secure application tool.
• Apply in person by visiting yourlocal Social Security office.
• Call the national Social Security number at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) to speak with a representative 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Once you've completed and submitted your application for benefits, claims examiners at Colorado Disability Determination Services (DDS) office will review your file and decide whether you're disabled, using the same Social Security rules that are used in every state.

What If My Social Security Claim Is Denied?

Approximately three to four months after you apply for disability, you'll receive a written notice in the mail telling you whether you have been approved for benefits or your claim has been denied. Over 60% of those who apply for SSDI or SSI in Colorado receive a denial at the initial application stage. However, many of these applicants are awarded disability benefits at a later stage in the appeals process.

Reconsideration at Colorado DDS

If you want to appeal your initial denial, you'll first need to submit a request for reconsideration. During reconsideration, a different claims examiner at Colorado DDS reviews your file and makes another decision as to whether you're disabled. Only about 15% of claims are approved after reconsideration, however, so you'll likely have to appeal again to get your best chance at benefits.

Disability Hearings at Social Security's OHO

Reconsideration denials can be appealed by asking for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Judges don't work out of state DDS agencies—rather, they're part of Social Security's federal Office of Hearings Operations, or OHO. As of mid-2025, the average wait for a hearing at an OHO in Colorado is 9 months.

At your disability hearing, you will have the chance to speak directly to the judge who decides whether or not you're eligible for Social Security benefits. The judge will likely ask you questions about your medical conditions, functional limitations, previous employment, and daily routine. There may also be a doctor or vocational expert present to give their opinion about your case.

You will receive the judge's decision in the mail, usually within 30-60 days of your hearing. (In rare instances, a judge will announce their decision at a disability hearing.) In 2025, judges in Colorado issued fully or partially favorable decisions in almost 57% of cases.

What Are My Chances of Getting Disability in Colorado?

Below is a chart that compares the approval rates and wait times in Colorado to the rates nationally.

If you receive an unfavorable decision following your hearing, you can appeal further—to Social Security's Appeals Council and then to a federal court lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

Disability Offices in Colorado

There are 17 Social Security Administration field office locations in Colorado. You can find the nearest one by using the agency's office locator tool. The DDS state agency that helps Social Security make decisions on disability claims is part of the Colorado Department of Human Services. Below is the contact information for the DDS office in Aurora.

Colorado Disability Determination Services
3190 S. Vaughn Way
Aurora, CO 80014

Tel: (303) 368-4100
Fax: (303) 752-5692

Social Security disability hearings in Colorado are held at one of the two OHO locations in Denver and Colorado Springs. Any communications you have with a disability judge should be addressed to the proper OHO for your geographic area.

Colorado Springs OHO
Plaza of the Rockies, North Tower
111 S. Tejon Street, Suite 401
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Tel: (888) 844-8269
Fax: (833) 779-0458

Services the following field offices: Alamosa, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Durango, La Junta, Pueblo, and Trinidad

Denver OHO
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 752
Denver, Colorado 80204-3584

Tel: (888) 383-8889
Fax: (833) 586-0160

Services the following field offices: Aurora, Denver, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Louisville, and Montrose

VA Disability in Colorado

Veterans who have a medical condition that was caused by, or got worse from, their time on active duty, may qualify for disability compensation from the VA. Unlike the Social Security Administration—which can only find you disabled or not disabled—the VA assigns disability percentage ratings based on how severe your limitations are. You can find out more in our article on filing for veterans' benefits.

In addition to the federal benefits provided by the VA, the state of Colorado offers services for resident veterans such as specialized license plates and property tax exemptions. These services are generally handled by the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs.

Colorado Short-Term Disability and Paid Leave Laws

Only a handful of states currently provide public short-term disability programs for residents who are temporarily unable to work. (Unfortunately, Colorado isn't one of them.) However, Colorado does have a paid Family and Medical Leave program that can provide a percentage of wage replacement for covered employees. Or, you may have a private short-term disability insurance policy that will pay benefits for a temporary illness or injury sustained off-the-job. Consider looking into these options if you expect to return to work within a year and need temporary help.

How Can I Get Help With My Social Security Disability Claim?

While it's not necessary to hire an attorney at any part of the disability determination process, it's usually a good idea—especially if you've already been denied and want to appeal. An experienced disability lawyer can gather important medical records, handle communications with DDS, OHO, or the VA, and represent you at a disability hearing.

Furthermore, a local attorney with knowledge of Colorado disability law might also help you navigate state-specific benefits such as the Aid to the Needy Disabled programs or vocational rehabilitation services for people who would like to return to work. Most disability lawyers offer free consultations and don't get paid unless you win your case, so it doesn't hurt to ask around to find one who's a good fit for you.