Navigate the Ultimate Guide to Short Term Disability in Colorado. From eligibility criteria to application procedures, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
In Colorado, 11.2% of people of all ages and 0.6% of those aged 4 and under have temporary disabilities. When you have a disability, it can be hard to do everyday things like work. That’s why having short-term disability insurance benefits is important for you in Colorado.
It gives you money if you can’t work, so you can pay for things you need. But figuring out how to get this help can be tough. This can make it hard for you and your family to get the support you need.
This article is here to help you with short-term disability in Colorado! It will explain how to easily apply for short-term disability benefits, so you can get the help you need without any confusion.
Table of Contents
What is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability (STD) insurance can help you if you can’t work because you’re sick, hurt, or have a medical condition. It gives you money to replace some of your salary for a while, like a few weeks or months, depending on the rules.
This support is meant to help you when you can’t work temporarily, not for long-term or permanent disabilities.
Short-Term Disability In Colorado
- Wage replacement rate: 60%
- Maximum weekly benefit amount: $3,000
- Maximum benefit period: 24 weeks
- Minimum Hours: No
- Employee eligibility requirements: You have a monthly income of less than $943. You must have little to no assets or savings — less than $2,000 if you’re single, or $3,000 if you’re married.
In Colorado, you won’t find a program for short-term disability (STD) insurance. However, your employer can offer it through Social Security disability benefits. This insurance typically provides you with some money from your salary for three to six months if you’re unable to work.
7 Steps of Short-Term Disability In Colorado
Step 1: Complete the Disability Application
If you want to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you need to start by filling out the main disability application.
You will also need to complete other forms, such as the work history report, where you talk about your past jobs, and the function report, where you explain how your health condition affects your daily life.
Step 2: Gather Your Records
Before you finish your disability application, you should collect all the important records you need. This includes your work history, income history, education record (like a report card), medical evidence, treatment form, and contact details for your health providers.
Step 3: Submit the Application and Supplemental Documents
After you collect all the necessary papers, you should send in your application with all the extra forms. Make sure to fill out all the forms completely and give detailed information to avoid any delays in processing.
Step 4: Be Honest About Your Condition
When you describe their symptoms, it’s important to be truthful and clear, talking about how you feel on your normal or hardest days.
It’s best not to make things sound worse than you are because the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for consistency in what’s written in the application.
Step 5: Follow Up with the Social Security Administration (SSA)
After you submit your application, you should follow up with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make sure you received it and are processing it. This is important because the Social Security Administration (SSA) gets thousands of monthly applications, and you might accidentally miss yours.
Step 6: Respond to Requests from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) asks for more information, it’s important to reply quickly. You usually have about 10 days to give them what they need. Acting fast helps make sure your application gets processed without any unnecessary delays.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Here are three ways to fill out the disability benefits forms:
- Apply online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
- Apply over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 or your local office.
- Apply in person at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
By following these steps and submitting a complete and accurate application, you can improve your chances of receiving Social Security disability benefits.
What Happens After You Apply For Disability?
Once you submit your application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) website will review your work and income history to determine if you meet the technical requirements. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) will assess if you qualify based on your medical complications.
You might also be asked to attend an in-person interview or a consultative exam with a Social Security Administration (SSA) website doctor. The results from these assessments will help the Social Security Administration (SSA) website decide on your claim. Typically, it takes about six months to receive an initial disability decision.
Other Colorado Benefits
Supplemental Security Income
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will check if an applicant for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for you if you are low-income or are disabled or over 65 years old. It’s very helpful to get approval for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time.
Medicare Benefits
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you have to wait for two years before you can get Medicare. But if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can get Medicaid right away. This means you can have health coverage while you wait for your Medicare benefits to start.
Colorado Medicaid
Colorado Medicaid, also known as Health First in Colorado, helps you with low incomes if you don’t have health insurance through work and can’t afford to buy your own. It’s managed and paid for by the federal, state, and other government workers.
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
If you’re in Colorado and you’re not working because of reasons that aren’t your fault, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is here to assist you. If you’re receiving unemployment benefits, you typically need to demonstrate that you’re prepared, similar to workers’ compensation.
Each week, you must show that you’re actively looking for a new job if you want to continue receiving assistance.
Conclusion
Short-Term Disability in Colorado helps you when you’re sick or hurt and can’t work for a short time. It gives you money to pay for things while you’re getting better. This money can make you feel more secure during a tough time.
The program tells you how to apply and what kind of money you might get to help you out. If you know someone who might need this kind of support, it’s important to tell them about it. Your help could make a big difference to someone who’s going through a tough time.
FAQs
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Colorado?
In Colorado, it usually takes about 6.1 months for you to find out if you can get disability benefits. Sometimes, when you apply, they might say you don’t qualify at first. You can ask them to take another look. If you need to go to a hearing to explain your situation, it might take about two years from the beginning to the end.
What qualifies you for disability in Colorado?
To qualify for short or long-term disability insurance benefits, you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You also need to meet specific work history requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or be within certain income limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How should I prepare my disability application in Colorado?
To apply correctly, the applicant must answer the questions truthfully, keep answers consistent, and be brief. It’s also important to collect and send all medical condition records with the application.
Does Colorado have a state disability program?
No, Colorado does not have its program for disability benefits. Only five states—California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island—have such programs. You can apply for federal disability programs known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How much does disability pay in Colorado?
In Colorado, the average monthly benefit payment for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is $1,374.74. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the average payment is $620.69. How much you get depends on how much money you have earned in the past or paid into the Social Security program.
