Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to low-income adults 65 and older, people who are blind, and people with qualifying disabilities. In Colorado, eligible residents receive both the federal SSI payment and, in many cases, an additional state supplement through the Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) program. For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual, up from $967 in 2025 due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment.
This guide covers who qualifies, how income and resources are counted, what Colorado adds on top of the federal payment, and exactly how to apply.
Federal SSI Income Limits for 2026
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula to calculate countable income. Not all money you receive counts against the limit. SSA starts with gross income, subtracts exclusions, and compares the result to the federal benefit rate (FBR).
2026 Federal Benefit Rate (Maximum Monthly SSI)
| Household Type | Maximum Monthly SSI Payment |
|---|
| Individual | $994 |
| Couple (both eligible) | $1,491 |
Your payment equals the FBR minus your countable income. If your countable income is $300 per month, your SSI check would be $694 ($994 minus $300).
How Income Is Counted
Not all income reduces your benefit dollar for dollar. SSA excludes:
- The first $20 per month of most income (the "general exclusion")
- The first $65 per month of earned income, plus half of any earned income above $65
- SNAP benefits, most housing assistance, and most energy assistance
- Irregular or infrequent income under $20 (unearned) or $10 (earned) per month
Earned income example: If you earn $465 per month from part-time work, SSA subtracts $65 plus half the remaining $400 ($200), leaving $200 in countable earned income. Your SSI payment would be $994 minus $200 equals $794.
Unearned income example: If you receive $300 per month in Social Security retirement benefits, SSA subtracts $20, leaving $280 in countable unearned income. Your SSI payment would be $994 minus $280 equals $714.
Resource Limits for 2026
SSI also has a resource (asset) limit. You cannot have more than the following in countable resources:
| Household Type | Resource Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $2,000 |
| Couple (both eligible) | $3,000 |
These limits have not changed since 1989, though there have been ongoing legislative efforts to update them.
What Does NOT Count as a Resource
Several assets are excluded from the SSI resource count:
- Your primary home and the land it sits on
- One vehicle used for transportation (any value)
- Household goods, furniture, and clothing
- Up to $1,500 in a designated burial fund (burial plots are excluded entirely)
- ABLE accounts (up to $100,000)
- Funds in an approved Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
- SSI back-pay lump sums for up to nine months after receipt
Bank accounts, additional vehicles, investment accounts, and most other property count toward the limit.
Colorado State Supplement: AND-CS Program
Colorado operates the Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) program, which provides additional monthly support to SSI recipients who do not receive the full federal benefit amount. The program is funded 80% by the state and 20% by counties.
The AND-CS program targets SSI recipients between ages 0 and 59 who are receiving SSI due to disability or blindness. The total AND-CS grant standard as of January 1, 2026 is $994 per month (matching the federal FBR), which fills gaps for those not receiving the full federal SSI payment.
To receive the Colorado Supplement, you must apply separately through your county human services office. Receiving SSI does not automatically enroll you in AND-CS.
AND-CS Eligibility Requirements
You must:
- Be actively receiving SSI due to disability or blindness
- Be a Colorado resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen with a valid Social Security number
- Have countable resources under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)
- Pursue and accept all other available income and resources
Both financial assistance and Medicaid (Health First Colorado) coverage are provided through this program.
SSI Eligibility Requirements in Colorado
Category Requirements
To qualify for SSI, you must fall into at least one of these categories:
- Age 65 or older, regardless of disability status
- Blind, defined as vision no better than 20/200 in your better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less
- Disabled, meaning a physical or mental condition that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death
For 2026, the SGA threshold is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals.
Additional Requirements
Beyond the category and financial tests, you must also:
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen (certain immigration statuses qualify)
- Reside in the United States, not be living in a public institution (with limited exceptions), and not be absent from the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days
- Apply for and accept any other benefits you may be eligible for (Social Security retirement, veterans benefits, workers compensation, etc.)
Children With Disabilities
Children under 18 can qualify for SSI if they meet the SSA disability definition for children, which requires a physical or mental condition resulting in marked or severe functional limitations. For children, the parents' income and resources are partially counted toward the eligibility calculation through a process called "deeming."
SSI and Medicaid in Colorado
SSI recipients in Colorado are automatically enrolled in Health First Colorado (the state's Medicaid program). This provides comprehensive health coverage at no cost, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term care services. You do not need to apply separately for Medicaid if you are receiving SSI.
Colorado SSI Payment Amounts at a Glance
The table below shows estimated monthly SSI payments for Colorado residents based on different income levels. These are approximations based on the standard exclusion formulas.
| Monthly Countable Income | Estimated SSI Payment (Individual) |
|---|
| $0 | $994 |
| $100 | $894 |
| $200 | $794 |
| $400 | $594 |
| $600 | $394 |
| $800 | $194 |
| $994 or more | $0 (ineligible) |
How to Apply for SSI in Colorado
Step 1: Check Eligibility First
Before applying, confirm you meet the basic requirements: age, disability, or blindness status; U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen status; income below $994 per month in countable income; and resources below $2,000.
You can use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to estimate your eligibility in a few minutes without sharing personal information.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect the following before starting your application:
- Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
- Birth certificate or other proof of age
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status
- Proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
- Financial records: bank statements, investment account statements, property records
- Medical records documenting your disability (if applying based on disability)
- Work history for the past two years
- Names and contact information for doctors, hospitals, or clinics that have treated you
Step 3: Submit Your SSI Application
You have three ways to apply for SSI:
Online: Start your application at ssa.gov/apply/ssi. You can save your progress and return within 60 days.
By phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Use the SSA office locator at ssa.gov to find the nearest location in Colorado.
Step 4: Complete the Disability Determination (If Applicable)
If you are applying based on disability, SSA forwards your case to Colorado's Disability Determination Services (DDS) at the Colorado Department of Human Services. DDS reviews your medical records and may request an exam from a consultative physician at SSA's expense. This process typically takes 3 to 6 months.
Step 5: Apply for the Colorado AND-CS Supplement
If you are between ages 0 and 59 and receive SSI due to disability or blindness, contact your county Department of Human Services to apply separately for the AND-CS supplement. Find your county office at cdhs.colorado.gov or through the Colorado 211 resource line.
Step 6: Track Your Application
SSA will mail you a notice with your case number. You can check your application status online at my.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What Happens If You Are Denied
Most initial SSI applications are denied. If yours is denied, you have 60 days (plus 5 days for mailing) to request an appeal. The appeals process has four levels:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal court
Statistics show that many applicants who are initially denied ultimately receive benefits through the appeals process, particularly at the ALJ hearing level. You may want to consider working with a disability attorney or advocate. Most disability attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only collect a fee if you win.
Colorado's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation also offers free assistance with the application process for those who qualify. You can reach them at dvr.colorado.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum SSI payment in Colorado in 2026?
The maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 for a couple. Colorado residents who qualify for the AND-CS state supplement may receive additional funds. The AND-CS grant standard for 2026 is set at $994 per month to fill gaps for those not receiving the full federal amount.
How much can I earn and still get SSI in Colorado?
The general income cutoff is $994 per month in countable income for an individual. However, SSA excludes the first $65 of earned income plus half of everything above that, so you can actually earn more in gross wages and still qualify. Someone earning $465 per month from work, for example, would have only $200 in countable earned income and would still receive a reduced SSI payment.
Does Colorado have its own SSI supplement?
Yes. Colorado's Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) provides additional monthly payments to SSI recipients aged 0 to 59 who receive SSI due to disability or blindness and are not getting the full federal benefit. You must apply separately for the AND-CS through your county human services office.
Will receiving SSI automatically qualify me for Medicaid in Colorado?
Yes. SSI recipients in Colorado are automatically enrolled in Health First Colorado, the state Medicaid program, which covers health care at no cost.
How long does it take to get approved for SSI in Colorado?
Processing times vary. If your case is straightforward (financial eligibility only for age 65+), approval may come in weeks. Disability determinations typically take 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and must appeal to an ALJ hearing, the wait can extend to 12 to 24 months depending on the hearing office backlog.
Can I own a home and still qualify for SSI in Colorado?
Yes. Your primary home is completely excluded from SSI resource calculations, regardless of its value. You also keep one vehicle. Most personal property like furniture and clothing does not count either.
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need: low income and limited assets. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on work history: you must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security payroll taxes. You can potentially receive both at the same time if your SSDI payment is low enough that adding SSI brings you up to the federal benefit rate.
Where do I apply for the Colorado AND-CS supplement?
Apply at your county Department of Human Services office. Colorado has 64 counties, each with its own office. Find yours at cdhs.colorado.gov or by calling Colorado 211.
Check your eligibility for SSI and other Colorado benefits using the free tool at benefitsusa.org/screener. You can also explore all Colorado programs available to you at /states/colorado.
