Colorado Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Colorado offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation under the Department of Labor and Employment handles workers' comp claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Your employer must file a report with their insurance carrier.
- Seek medical treatment -- your employer may direct initial care.
- Notify your employer within 4 working days of the injury.
- File a formal claim within 2 years of the injury.
- Nearly all Colorado employers must carry workers' compensation insurance.
- Benefits include medical care, temporary disability payments, permanent disability payments, and vocational rehabilitation.
- Temporary disability generally pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage.
- Phone: 303-318-8700 / 1-888-390-7936
- Web: cdle.colorado.gov/dwc
State Disability Programs
Colorado does not have a state disability insurance program but does have FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance), which provides paid leave for serious health conditions starting in 2024.
- FAMLI: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for serious health conditions, caring for a family member, or bonding with a new child. Up to 16 weeks for pregnancy/childbirth complications.
- Apply at famli.colorado.gov
Medicaid
Colorado's Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado.
Key programs for people with disabilities:- Health First Colorado covers medical, behavioral health, dental, and long-term care.
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
- Buy-In program for working adults with disabilities.
- Online at colorado.gov/peak
- By phone: 1-800-221-3943
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment.
Services offered:- Career counseling and job placement
- Assistive technology
- Education and training
- Supported employment
- Transition services for youth
- Phone: 303-318-8000
- Web: cdle.colorado.gov/dvr
Disability Rights
Disability Law Colorado is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Services:- Legal advocacy for people with disabilities
- Help with discrimination, access, abuse, neglect
- Phone: 303-722-0300 / 1-800-288-1376
- Web: disabilitylawco.org
Veterans Services
The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 303-284-6077
- Web: dmva.colorado.gov
State Employment Protections
Colorado has the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), which prohibits employment discrimination based on disability. Applies to employers with 1 or more employees, broader than the federal ADA.
Where to file a complaint:- Colorado Civil Rights Division: 303-894-2997 / 1-800-886-7675
- Web: ccrd.colorado.gov
- EEOC: 1-800-669-4000
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Division of Workers' Compensation | 303-318-8700 | cdle.colorado.gov/dwc | | FAMLI | See website | famli.colorado.gov | | Health First Colorado (Medicaid) | 1-800-221-3943 | healthfirstcolorado.com | | Division of Vocational Rehabilitation | 303-318-8000 | cdle.colorado.gov/dvr | | Disability Law Colorado | 1-800-288-1376 | disabilitylawco.org | | Colorado Civil Rights Division | 1-800-886-7675 | ccrd.colorado.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |