How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Colorado

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide financial support to individuals who cannot work due to disabilities. Applying for these benefits requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and following detailed procedures, as mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or denials.

At Boesen Law, our Social Security disability lawyers have decades of experience in Colorado helping applicants gather medical records, complete paperwork correctly, and appeal denied claims. This article explains who qualifies for benefits, how to apply,, and the steps to take if your claim is rejected.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability in Colorado?

The SSA disability benefits page sets specific eligibility rules for SSDI and SSI, and although both programs require proof of a disabling condition that prevents work, they also have distinct requirements. To qualify, you must meet the following:

• Medical eligibility: SSDI and SSI require a disability that prevents substantial work activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Medical records must confirm the diagnosis and its impact.
• Work credits (SSDI only): SSDI applicants must’ve earned enough work credits to qualify, usually by working five of the last ten years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
• Income limits (SSI only): SSI is for individuals with limited income and assets. Applicants must meet strict financial thresholds set by the SSA to receive benefits.

Steps to Apply for Social Security Disability in Colorado

Submitting a complete and accurate application for SSDI or SSI reduces the risk of delays and denials. Follow these steps to begin your claim:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

To streamline the process, collect these essential documents before applying:

• Medical records: Include physician notes, diagnostic tests, and treatment histories. The SSA requires detailed evidence to confirm the severity and duration of your condition.
• Work history: SSDI applicants must provide employment records, including job titles, responsibilities, and past earnings, to determine work credit eligibility.
• Proof of income: SSI applicants must submit financial records such as tax returns, bank statements, or pay stubs to verify income and resource limits.

Step 2: Choose an Application Method

Applicants can submit their claims through one of the following options:

• Online: You can apply for SSDI or SSI through the SSA’s official website for a convenient, faster submission process.
• By phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment.
• In-person: Visit a local SSA office in Colorado for direct assistance. Scheduling an appointment is recommended to reduce wait times.

After submitting your application, the Colorado Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your medical records and may request additional evidence. If needed, the DDS will arrange a free consultative exam. They assess medical limitations and work history, then send their findings to the SSA, which makes the final decision on eligibility and benefits.

Common Reasons for Social Security Disability Denials

Here are some common mistakes to avoid to improve your chances of approval:

• Insufficient medical documentation: Failing to provide clear medical records showing how your condition limits your ability to work can result in a denial. Detailed evidence from doctors strengthens your claim.
• Exceeding income limits: SSI applicants must meet strict financial criteria. You won’t qualify for benefits if your income or assets exceed SSA thresholds.
• Non-compliance with treatment: Ignoring prescribed medical treatments without a valid reason can make SSA question the severity of your condition and result in a denial.
• Previous denials: Reapplying without fixing issues that led to a prior denial often results in another rejection. Addressing errors or providing new evidence with the help of a lawyer will improve your chances of getting approved.

How to Appeal a Denied SSDI or SSI Claim in Colorado

If your claim is rejected, you have the right to appeal through multiple stages, each step providing an opportunity to present additional medical evidence, correct mistakes, and strengthen your case. 

Stage 1: Request for reconsideration

This is the first step in the appeals process. You can submit new evidence or clarify any discrepancies, and a different SSA examiner will review your case to determine if the denial was made in error.

• Submit additional medical evidence – Providing updated records, test results, and doctor statements can help demonstrate your condition meets SSA disability criteria.
• Verify work history details – Ensure your employment records are accurate, as mistakes in earnings history or work credits can impact your eligibility.

Stage 2: Administrative hearing

If your claim is denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing allows you to present your case in person and provide additional medical or vocational evidence.

• Prepare for the hearing – Studying your case file, understanding the reason for previous denials, and gathering supporting evidence will improve your chances of success.
• Seek legal representation – A Social Security disability lawyer from Boesen Law can effectively present your case, cross-examine SSA witnesses, and argue why you qualify for benefits.

Stage 3: Appeals Council & federal court

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. If that’s unsuccessful, the final option is to file a lawsuit in federal district court, where a judge will review whether the SSA made a legal mistake.

• Request an Appeals Council review – The Appeals Council examines whether the ALJ made an error in interpreting the law or medical evidence. It can send the case back for another hearing or uphold the denial.
• File a federal court lawsuit – If all previous appeals fail, a lawyer can help you sue the SSA in federal district court to challenge the denial and seek a judicial review of your case.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

Depending on different factors, the SSDI application process can take several months to over a year. The DDS reviews applications and medical records, but a high volume of claims often slows the process: the more cases they handle at once, the longer it takes to complete evaluations.

Sometimes, the DDS may request further medical evaluations if existing records don’t provide enough proof of disability. This adds time, as scheduling and reviewing these exams can take weeks or months. Submitting complete medical documentation with your initial application often results in receiving a decision faster than those requiring additional evidence.

If the initial claim is denied and you need an administrative hearing, wait times increase significantly. Many applicants wait 12 months or longer for a hearing before an ALJ. This makes early preparation and complete documentation essential to speed up the process.

How We Help – Contact a Denver Social Security Disability Lawyer

Applying for SSDI or SSI requires accurate documentation and strong medical evidence: at Boesen Law, we help you submit a complete application that meets all SSA requirements. Additionally, if your claim is denied, we can build a compelling case to improve your chances of approval and handle the entire appeals process.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let our experienced Social Security disability lawyers guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve in Colorado. Contact us today to get started.