If you have a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability, we offer support to help you maintain your health, safety, and independence.
What You Need To Know
We partner with other community agencies to provide a range of cash assistance programs, services, and other resources, including the Aid to the Blind and Aid to the Needy Disabled programs.
We also are responsible for the oversight and administration of dedicated mill levy funds that are earmarked to support residents of Denver with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The IDDEAS Program partners with service providers and local organizations to fund programs that address gaps in essential services and support access to housing, social inclusion, technology and mental health care.
What is the Aid to the Blind program? Do I qualify?
Through our Aid to the Blind program, you can get cash assistance if you are not already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are receiving SSI, you may still qualify for medical insurance (Medicaid) benefits through Aid to the Blind.
To qualify, you must be a Denver resident, age 59 or younger, and be certified by an optometrist or ophthalmologist as legally blind and unable to work (if applicable). You must also be either US born, a naturalized citizen or a legal resident of the United States.
What is the Aid to the Needy Disabled program? Do I qualify?
The Aid to the Needy Disabled program provides cash assistance to Denver residents who have at least a six-month total disability that prevents them from working.
To qualify, you must be a Denver resident and be certified by a Colorado licensed doctor as blind or disabled for at least six months and unable to work (if applicable). You must also be either US born, a naturalized citizen or a legal resident of the United States.
Benefits may vary depending on your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) status. Call 720-944-4DHS (4347) to learn about your options.
What is the I/DD Mill Levy?
In 2003, Denver voters approved a dedicated property tax mill levy to support Denver residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as their families and caregivers. The IDDEAS Program at DHS oversees this funding and partners with service providers such as Rocky Mountain Human Services to help community members with I/DD live the lives they envision for themselves.
Learn more about mill levy funded services:
IDDEAS Program
How do I apply for benefits?
For the Aid to the Blind or Aid to the Needy Disabled program, you can apply online at Colorado PEAK or visit one of our offices and pick up an application.
Please note that the Aid to the Needy Disabled program requires an in-person interview before eligibility can be determined. Interviews are held Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. You may want to turn in your application and interview at the same time, or you may schedule an interview for a future date.
For assistance funded by the I/DD Mill Levy program, visit the Rocky Mountain Human Services website to learn more or to apply online.
Language Access
It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please email DHSADASupport@denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.