Aid to the Disabled (AND) and Aid to the Blind (AB)
The Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) program provides financial assistance to low-income Colorado residents age 18 to 59 who have at least a six-month total disability that precludes them from working.
The Aid to the Blind (AB) program serves people under age 60 who have at least a six-month total disability that precludes them from working.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for AND or AB program benefits you must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Meet the age requirements: 18 to 59 for AND or under 60 for AB.
- Be a U.S. Citizen, a naturalized citizen, or an eligible legal resident
- Be a resident of Colorado and a resident of Las Animas County
- Be certified by a Colorado licensed doctor as being disabled for at least six months without any work capacity
- For AND, print the doctor’s form, called a Med 9 and take it to your doctor to be completed
- For AB print the AB-5 and take it to your optometrist or ophthalmologist
- If you prefer to have the required forms mailed to you, call 719-846-2276 and request the needed form.
- Applicants/recipients must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Must meet the income and resource limits. View the Income Limits for Benefits table.
Benefits
These programs provide financial assistance while waiting for approval of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medical assistance is not provided under these programs.
Both programs will provide up to $200 per month. However, other income, such as wages, may reduce the benefit amount paid. Benefits will begin one month after all eligibility requirements have been met.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply for benefits in one of the following ways:
- Online using Colorado PEAK. Applications will be automatically submitted to the Las Animas County Department of Human Services.
- Pick up an application at our office located at 219 S. Chestnut Street, Trinidad.
- Request an application be mailed to you, email infolasanimascountydhs@gmail.com or call 719-846-2276.
- Print an application and return by fax, mail or in-person at a Las Animas County DHS office.
You may return a completed application by fax, mail or in-person
- Fax: 719-846-4269
- Mail to: Las Animas County DHS, 219 S. Chestnut Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
- In-person at DHS office located at 219 S. Chestnut Street, Trinidad
- Phone: 719-846-2276
Office hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm
If you are unable to go to the nearest office, you may have another person, called an authorized representative, apply on your behalf. You must designate the authorized representative in writing.
