Old Age Pension
Learn about the program
Since 1937, the Colorado Constitution has insured Colorado residents a basic retirement income and health coverage. The Old Age Pension (OAP) program provides financial assistance and health care benefits for low-income adults age 60 or older.
Complete an application
You must complete a written application. A representative will help you complete the application and tell you of any additional documents that are needed.
Do not wait to apply! Set an appointment today. Bring as many documents as possible. If you do not have all your paperwork in order, you can gather it after the first interview.
Medical Benefits
All Old Age Pension recipients qualify for medical coverage which may include:
- Inpatient hospital services
- Outpatient hospital services
- Home health care
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Physician services
- Pharmacy services
- Medical transportation
- Dental care (limited to surgical procedures)
- Medical supplies and durable medical equipment
- Some Old Age Pension recipients may also qualify for nursing home care, home and community care, inpatient psychiatric care, adult foster care, or a home care allowance.
Old Age Pension recipients may qualify for
- Food Assistance
- Financial assistance to reduce winter heating costs (LEAP)
- Discount on monthly telephone bill
Old Age Pension (OAP) recipients must
- Be age 60 or older
- Have total gross monthly income below approximately 80% of the poverty level per month (if you receive home care allowance, this amount may be higher.) Call your local county office for exact amount.
- Income is anything which can be used to purchase food, clothing, or shelter. Some examples include wages, social security, pensions, child support, unemployment benefits, and spouse's income.
- Have resources below $2,000, couple resources below $3,000.
- Resources are any money that remains unspent from a prior month. Some examples include cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, some insurance policies and secondary property.
- Qualified non-citizens who are considered legal immigrants by USCIS are eligible to apply for Adult Financial programs and all non-citizens are eligible to apply for OAP.
- Be a resident of Colorado
Proof of age (such as)
- Birth certificate or
- Baptismal certificate
Proof of Colorado residency (such as)
- Self-written statement testifying you are a resident of Colorado or
- Any photo I.D. with your address or
- A copy of your telephone bill
Proof of resources (all of these)
- Bank statements
- Registration papers for motor vehicles
- Deed and mortgages for real property
- Life insurance policies
- Burial funds or policies
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (such as)
- Birth certificate or
- Citizenship records or
- Social Security card
Proof of your income and your spouse's income (all of these)
- Payroll stubs
- Verification of Social Security and SSI
- Proof of other income or checks you receive
Not counted as part of your resources
- home
- car
- personal belongings
- household goods
- some burial policies
- some life insurance policies
A Medicaid lien may be filed on property to be collected after death if over the age 55 or receiving Long Term Care (LTC).
Resources
Health Care Policy and Financing
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado's low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program)
- Customer Service 800-221-3943
- Enrollment 888-367-6557 or (888) - ENROLLS