Colorado Social Security Disability Law

Residents of Colorado may qualify for federal Social Security Disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration provides monthly monetary benefits to individuals who are disabled and unable to work. The Colorado Disability Determination Services works with the Social Security Administration to make disability determinations for Colorado applicants.

Types of Disability Programs

Disability benefits are available through two federal programs, the Social Security Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income program. To qualify for either program, you must be medically disabled and able to supply the state determination service with information supporting your medical claim.

The Process

Federal law requires that you apply for disability benefits at your local Social Security field office. Your application must include all pertinent medical information regarding your disability. Your completed application is forwarded to the Disability Determination Service where all information provided is verified and compared with Social Security Administration eligibility criteria. The state agency determines your eligibility and notifies the Social Security Administration.

Your Rights if Benefits Are Denied

If you are denied Social Security Disability benefits, you have 60 days from the date you received your denial to make a written appeal. The appeals process consists of four tiers. If your appeal is denied at the first level, you can continue to the next. The tiers are: reconsideration of your claim, a hearing by an administrative law judge, an appeal by the Social Security Appeals Council and, finally, a lawsuit in federal court.

References

• Colorado Department of Human Services: Disability Determination Service
• Social Security Administration: Disability Evaluation Under Social Security