Where to Start: Social Security's Online Portal or Your Local Office

You explore for federal disability benefits through Social Security, not through the state of Colorado. The fastest route is Social Security's online portal at ssa.gov, where you can start an process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) without leaving home. You can also walk into any Social Security field office in Colorado and explore in person, or call 1-800-772-1213 to explore by phone.

The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. Social Security will ask for your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, a driver's license or state ID, and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you explore online, you can save your work and come back to it later — you do not have to finish in one sitting.

Colorado has no separate state disability program that runs parallel to Social Security. However, once you are approved for SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare after 24 months. If you are approved for SSI, you may be may be able to access for Medicaid right away, depending on your income and resources. Both programs are administered through Social Security, not the state.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through Social Security at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Colorado Social Security office — not through the state of Colorado.
  • SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security; SSI is for people with very low income and resources, regardless of work history.
  • Social Security will ask for your birth certificate, ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and recent tax documents before you submit.
  • The process process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.
  • If your process is denied, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with a lawyer or representative win on the second or third try.

SSDI vs. SSI: Which Program You May Be Pursuing

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your own work record or your parent's work record if you became disabled before age 22. To be may be able to access, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits. The amount you receive is based on the earnings record, not on how much money you have in the bank. There is no limit to how much you can own and still receive SSDI.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with very low income and resources — typically less than $2,000 in countable assets for an individual. You do not need a work history to receive SSI. Many people in Colorado receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time if their SSDI payment is very small.

Social Security's online process lets you explore for both programs in the same submission. If you are unsure which one you may have access to for, you can explore for both and let Social Security determine which programs you are may be able to access for based on your answers.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you begin your process, whether online, by phone, or in person:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card)
  • A current photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Your most recent tax return, W-2, or pay stub
  • Bank account numbers and routing numbers if you want direct deposit
  • Names and addresses of doctors, hospitals, and clinics where you have been treated for your condition
  • Dates of any surgeries or hospitalizations

You do not need to have all your medical records in hand before you explore. Social Security will request them directly from your doctors and hospitals after you submit. However, if you already have recent records from your doctor that describe your condition and limitations, having them ready can speed up the process.

The Timeline: What Happens After You Submit

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Colorado Disability information Services (DDS), which is a state agency that works under contract with Social Security to make the initial decision. DDS typically takes 30 to 90 days to request your medical records, review them, and make a decision. During this time, you may receive a letter asking for more information or asking you to attend a medical exam paid for by Social Security.

You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to appeal.

The entire process from process to initial decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if your medical evidence is unclear or if DDS needs to order additional tests. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Colorado Social Security Field Offices

If you prefer to explore in person, Colorado has Social Security offices in most major cities. The largest offices are in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, but there are smaller offices throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on ssa.gov by entering your zip code.

Walk-in hours vary by office. Some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours; others require you to make an appointment. Calling ahead is always the safest option. If you call the main number 1-800-772-1213, you can ask for the phone number of your local office and schedule an appointment.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter at your appointment if you request one when you call.

What Happens If You Are Denied

About 65 to 70 percent of people are denied on their first process. This does not mean you are ineligible — it usually means Social Security needs more or clearer medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working.

You have the right to appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial letter. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who appeal with a lawyer or representative win at the hearing stage (the third level). You can find a disability lawyer in Colorado through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or through the Colorado Disability Law and Policy Center.

Many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000) only if you win. You do not pay them upfront.

Work Incentives and Reporting Requirements

If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you can work and still receive benefits under Social Security's work incentive programs. The most common is the Trial Work Period, which lets you work for up to nine months without losing any benefits, no matter how much you earn. After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, during which you can earn up to a certain amount each month and still receive a partial benefit.

If you are receiving SSI, you can earn up to $65 per month plus half of any earnings above that and still receive your full SSI payment. These rules change, so it is important to report any work to Social Security right away. You can report work online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at your local office.

If you do not report work and Social Security discovers it later, you may have to repay benefits you were not supposed to receive. Reporting is free and takes just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability if I have never worked?

Yes, but only for SSI, not SSDI. SSI has no work requirement — you only need to have a disability, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have very low income and resources. SSDI requires a work history, though if you became disabled before age 22, you may be able to receive benefits based on your parent's work record.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

The initial decision usually takes three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or wants you to attend a medical exam. You can check your process status anytime through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Do I have to explore in person, or can I do it all online?

You can complete the entire process online at ssa.gov without visiting an office. You can also explore by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is usually fastest because you can save your work and return to it later.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can still explore. Social Security will accept other documents that prove your age and identity, such as a passport, naturalization papers, or baptism record. Call your local Social Security office to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working while your process is pending does not hurt your case. However, if you are working substantial hours and earning a lot of money, Social Security may conclude that you are not disabled. Be honest about your work and your limitations when you explore.