The Basics

Many people with disabilities have low income and limited assets. It can feel hard to change this if you get public benefits, because programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Colorado Works have rules about saving money, and there are common myths that you can't get benefits and save for your future.

However, there are steps you can take to start building your assets:

• Programs like ABLE accounts, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), and Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) can help you save money or make investments without risking your public benefits.
• Special Needs Trusts are another way to build up assets without losing disability benefits.
• Tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), can help you make the most of your income. You can get free help filling out your taxes to make sure that you get the tax credits you deserve.

Try one or more of these steps, so that you can save money and become more self-sufficient over the long-term.