Colorado Supplement to SSI

The Aid to Needy Disabled/Supplemental Security Income/Colorado Supplement (AND/SSI/CS) Program is provided for by Title XVI of the Federal Social Security Act and sections 26-2-103, 26-2-104, 26-2-106(6), 26-2-108, and 26-2-119 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

The SSI payment is made directly to clients by the Social Security Administration with 100% Federal funds. The Colorado Supplement is funded with 80% State funds and 20% County funds. The Colorado program provides both financial payments and medical assistance for disabled Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who meet the following criteria.

Citizenship

An applicant must be a citizen of the United States (through birth or naturalization) or legal immigrants lawfully admitted for permanent residency.

Residency

The applicant or recipient must be able to verify his/her residence in Colorado and the fact he/she intends to remain in Colorado. There is no minimum length of residency requirement.

Income

Income may not exceed the current standard of assistance. The maximum SSI benefit level is adjusted annually.

Resources

Certain resources are exempt. In addition to these, an applicant or recipient may have countable resources to a limit of $2,000.00 for a recipient, $3,000.00 for a couple.

Age

There is no age requirement for the AND/SSI-CS Program.

Disability

Pursuant to section 1634 of the Social Security Act, Colorado and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) have entered into an agreement under which the SSA determines both financial and medical assistance eligibility for SSI applicants. Individuals who are determined to be eligible for SSI shall not be required to complete or sign a separate State application for medical assistance. A separate application must be completed for an applicant to receive the Colorado Supplement and/or long term care services. Additionally, there are Trusts that do not effect SSI eligibility, but render the individual ineligible for Medicaid. All trusts must be evaluated by HCP&F.

Processing Standards

The State must approve an individual for Medicaid within 10 days from the date the Social Security Administration notifies the State that an applicant is newly eligible for Medicaid. These individuals are automatically added to Medicaid rolls and issued Medicaid cards.

Information Sharing

The county department, upon obtaining or receiving information that may affect the SSI recipient's eligibility, shall forward such information to the local SSI office.