Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Enacted for Western Boulder County; Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Enacted for Eastern Boulder County.

Boulder County government offices closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Aid to the Needy Disabled and Aid to the Blind
doctor performing a blood pressure check on an elderly woman

Aid to the Needy Disabled and Aid to the Blind

These programs give cash help to people in Colorado who have low incomes and can’t work because of a disability:

  • Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND): For people ages 18 to 59 with a disability lasting at least six months.
  • Aid to the Blind (AB): For people under age 60 who are blind or have a disability lasting at least six months.

Both programs ask you to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and show proof that you qualify. Your benefits start one month after you qualify. You’ll get them on an EBT Card.

Eligibility

To qualify for AND or AB, you must:

  • Be the right age:
    • For AND: 18 to 59 years old
    • For AB: Under 60 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen, a naturalized citizen, or a legal resident
  • Live in Boulder County, Colorado
  • Have a disability:
    • A Colorado doctor must say you can’t work for at least six months because of your disability.
    • For AND: Print and take the “Med 9” form to your doctor to fill out.
    • For AB: Print and take the “AB-5” form to your eye doctor to fill out.
  • Apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • Have a low income and few resources

Income and Resource Limits

What counts as income?

  • Income is money or support you use to pay for things like food or a place to live. Examples include:
    • Social Security payments
    • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
    • Veterans’ benefits
    • Retirement pensions
    • Disability benefits
    • Wages from a job

Income limits: If you have a job, your earnings can’t be more than $189 per month.

What counts as a resource?

  • Cash
  • Bank accounts (checking or savings)
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Vehicles (including recreational vehicles)
  • Extra property you own
  • Stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts
  • Burial contracts or life insurance policies

Resource limit: You can have up to $2,000 in resources that count if you’re single, or $3,000 if you’re married.

You must report all income and show proof of it. The “Documents You’ll Need” section lists what to bring.

Apply for Benefits

There are a few ways to apply for cash, medical, and food help in Colorado. Pick the one that works best for you:

  • Apply online. Use Colorado PEAK to check if you qualify and apply for medical, food, and cash help.
  • Apply on paper. Print the Application for Public Assistance (Solicitud de asistencia pública), or pick up a copy at a Boulder County office. Then mail it, fax it, or bring it to one of our offices.
  • Have someone apply for you. You can ask another person to apply for you. This person is called an “authorized representative.” You’ll need to give them written permission first.

Documents You'll Need

Documents You’ll Need When Applying for AND or AB

Proof of age, such as:

  • Birth certificate
  • Baptismal certificate
  • Statement from Social Security
  • Driver’s license
  • Picture identification card
  • Military discharge papers
  • Permanent Resident Card (green card)
  • Naturalization papers

Proof of citizenship, such as:

  • Birth certificate, citizenship record, or Affidavit
  • Social Security card
  • Naturalization papers
  • Passport
  • Immigration documents

Proof of Colorado residency, such as:

  • Client statement
  • Rent receipt
  • Mortgage statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Voter registration
  • Utility bill
  • Phone bill

Proof of your and your spouse’s gross income, such as:

  • Payroll check stubs
  • Letter from employer
  • Tax return
  • Statement of social security and SSI
  • Copies of checks for child support, alimony, self-employment, financial aid
  • Award letter

Proof of resources, such as:

  • Bank statements or letter from bank
  • Vehicle registration
  • Letter from the broker
  • Letter from Assessor’s office
  • Life insurance policy or letter from insurance company
  • Burial contract or policies
  • Tax return
  • Investment funds, stocks or bonds

Proof of application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), such as:

  • Receipt or letter from Social Security Administration showing application has been filed


Don’t wait to apply if you’re missing some documents. You can turn them in after you apply.

Get Help With Your Application

For help applying, call Boulder County Human Services at 303-441-1000. You can also visit one of our offices for in-person help.

Boulder Location

3460 Broadway
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Longmont Location

515 Coffman St. Longmont
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Lafayette Location

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday
Closed 1-2 p.m. for lunch.

Related Links

Contact Us

Human Services

Phone: 303-441-1000
TTY: 1-800-659-3656
Fax: 303-441-1523
Submit a question

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306

Boulder Location

3460 Broadway, Boulder
Fax: 720-564-2283
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Longmont Location

515 Coffman St., Longmont
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Lafayette Location

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday
Closed 1-2 p.m. for lunch.

Human Services website