Disability Resources in Colorado

Last updated September 7, 2026

Colorado residents living with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities can access a broad range of state and federal programs for income support, healthcare, housing, food assistance, and more. Navigating these systems can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out alone — connecting with a local case manager or calling 2-1-1 Colorado is often the fastest way to find out what you qualify for and how to apply.

Many disability-related programs in Colorado are administered through the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Eligibility rules, benefit levels, and waiting lists change, so always verify current details directly with the administering agency or through 2-1-1 Colorado before making decisions.

Whether you are newly disabled, supporting a family member, or a professional helping a client, the programs below are a strong starting point. Where a specific local program name could not be verified, we describe the type of help available and how to find it through official channels.

Key programs in Colorado

Colorado Medicaid & Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Coloradans with disabilities. HCBS waivers — administered by HCPF — can fund in-home personal care, supported living, day programs, and other services that help people with disabilities remain in the community rather than an institutional setting. Several waiver programs exist for different disability populations, including developmental disabilities and brain injury.

How to access: Apply for Medicaid through PEAK (Colorado's online benefits portal) at peak.colorado.gov, or contact your local county Department of Human Services office. To learn about specific HCBS waivers and current waitlist status, contact HCPF directly at 303-692-2939 or visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSI provides monthly cash assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI provides benefits to people with disabilities who have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Both are federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with local field offices throughout Colorado.

How to access: Apply online at ssa.gov, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), or visit a local SSA field office. You can find the nearest Colorado office using the office locator at ssa.gov/locator.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Colorado

SNAP provides monthly electronic benefits (loaded on an EBT card) to help low-income individuals and families — including people with disabilities — purchase groceries. People receiving SSI in Colorado may be eligible for expedited or simplified SNAP enrollment.

How to access: Apply through Colorado's PEAK portal at peak.colorado.gov, at your local county Department of Human Services office, or by calling 2-1-1 Colorado for help with the application process.

2-1-1 Colorado

2-1-1 Colorado is a free, confidential statewide helpline and searchable database connecting residents to thousands of local health and human services programs, including disability-specific resources such as assistive technology, transportation assistance, in-home support, accessible housing, and benefits navigation help.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 (available 24/7), text your zip code to 898-211, or search online at 211colorado.org. Multilingual assistance is available.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in Colorado

LIHEAP helps eligible low-income Coloradans — including people with disabilities who may have higher energy needs for medical equipment — pay heating and cooling bills and avoid utility shutoffs. Colorado administers this as the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) during the heating season.

How to access: Apply during the open enrollment period (typically November through April) through your local county Department of Human Services office or online at cdhs.colorado.gov. Call 2-1-1 Colorado for help finding your local application site.

Disability Resources resources for Colorado

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Nationwide

Federal programs and resources supporting people with disabilities and older adults.

Visit

Social Security Disability (SSA)

Nationwide

Apply for and manage Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI benefits.

1-800-772-1213
Visit

The Arc

Nationwide

Advocacy and local chapter services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Visit
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