Understanding Disability in Colorado
Colorado has one of the lowest disability rates in the nation (48th highest), with 11.2% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population reporting at least one disability. That translates to 638,686 people out of a total population of 5,713,803.
The most common disability type in Colorado is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 262,333 residents (4.9% of the population), followed by cognitive difficulty at 254,194 (4.7%).
Economically, the median household income in Colorado is $92,470, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.9%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.0%.
Types of Disabilities in Colorado
People may report more than one disability type. Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent in Colorado, affecting 262,333 residents (4.9% of the population).
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 202,572 | 3.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 116,598 | 2.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 254,194 | 4.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 262,333 | 4.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 96,687 | 1.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 200,774 | 4.5% |
Need Help Filing in Colorado?
- Average wait time: 259 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
Disability rates increase significantly with age. In Colorado, 44.3% of residents age 75 and over report at least one disability, compared to 5.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 46,906 | 5.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 103,751 | 7.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 231,116 | 10.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 113,615 | 20.8% |
| 75 and over | 141,124 | 44.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 319,640 | 11.1% |
| Female | 319,046 | 11.2% |
Females in Colorado have a slightly higher disability rate (11.2%) compared to males (11.1%). In total, 319,046 women and 319,640 men report at least one disability, consistent with national patterns where women tend to report higher rates of disability.
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Colorado. These disparities reflect broader patterns of health access, occupational risk, and socioeconomic factors.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 478,000 | 11.4% |
| Black or African American | 27,778 | 12.5% |
| Asian | 13,899 | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 126,883 | 10.0% |
Income & Poverty in Colorado
The median household income in Colorado is $92,470, significantly above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.9%, below the national average of 8.7%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified - people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to live in poverty compared to those without disabilities.
The unemployment rate in Colorado stands at 3.0%, which affects the SSDI situation since applicants must demonstrate inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
SSDI in Colorado
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides monthly benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability.
| Stage | Colorado Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 37% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 11% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 47% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 259 days | 227 days |
With an initial approval rate of 37%, Colorado falls below the national average for SSDI approvals. Approximately 63% of initial applications are denied, meaning roughly 6 in 10 first-time applicants receive a denial letter.
Applicants in Colorado experience wait times above the national average, with initial processing taking about 259 days, compared to the national average of 227 days. If your initial claim is denied, the reconsideration approval rate is 11%, and the hearing-level (ALJ) approval rate climbs to 47%.
Given these statistics, applicants in Colorado should consider working with a disability advocate or attorney from the start. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved, especially at the hearing stage where 47% of cases are won with legal help.
How to Apply for SSDI in Colorado
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through Social Security taxes and have a medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month ($2,590 if blind).
Step 2: Gather Your Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is the most important factor in SSDI claims. Collect records from all treating physicians, hospitals, and clinics. In Colorado, where only 37% of initial claims are approved, thorough medical evidence is critical.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office in Colorado. The average processing time for initial claims in Colorado is 259 days.
Step 4: If Denied, File an Appeal Promptly
With a 63% denial rate on initial claims in Colorado, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to request reconsideration. Do not miss this deadline.
Step 5: Request a Hearing Before an ALJ
If reconsideration is also denied, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. In Colorado, 47% of claimants win at the hearing level. This is where having legal representation makes the biggest difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Colorado?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 11.2% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Colorado has at least one disability, totaling 638,686 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate in Colorado?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Colorado is approximately 37%, meaning about 63% of first-time applicants are denied. At the reconsideration level, the approval rate is 11%, and at the hearing level (before an ALJ), it rises to 47%.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Colorado?
The average processing time for an initial SSDI application in Colorado is 259 days. This is longer than the national average of 227 days. If you need to appeal to a hearing, the total process can take 12 to 24 months or longer.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Colorado?
If your SSDI claim was denied in Colorado, you have 60 days to file an appeal. With only a 11% reconsideration approval rate, many claimants proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, where 47% of cases are approved. Working with a disability lawyer or advocate significantly improves your chances, as they can help prepare medical evidence and represent you at your hearing.
What is the median household income in Colorado?
The median household income in Colorado is $92,470, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate in Colorado is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 8.7%.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSDI in Colorado?
While you can apply for SSDI on your own, statistics suggest that representation matters - especially in Colorado where 63% of initial claims are denied. At the hearing level, claimants with attorneys win at significantly higher rates. Disability attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case (typically 25% of back-pay, capped at $7,200).
Counties in Colorado
Explore disability statistics for individual counties in Colorado. Select a county for detailed data.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI. It takes about 2 minutes and it is completely free.
Sources & Methodology
All data for Colorado is compiled from official government sources. Disability statistics are from the most recent available data.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024