The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC), part of the newly established Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), will grant $2 million for disability application assistance. Twenty-three nonprofit organizations and county human services agencies throughout Colorado, including the Archuleta County Department of Human Services and Community Connections Inc., will receive the funds. These organizations were chosen based on their efforts in helping individuals and families complete applications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), long-term Medicaid, and other benefits. The grant program was highly competitive with the committee receiving over 61 applications totaling $8.4 million in requested funds.

CDFC, made up of 13 governor-appointed members of which at least seven must identify as living with a disability or have firsthand experience working with someone who does, oversees the distribution. These grant funds are used to invest in innovative initiatives aimed at increasing the quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities.

Established by HB24-1360 in 2024, the CDOO is the point of contact for state agencies, private-sector organizations and the public to advance the integration and inclusion of the disability community. The CDOO plays a crucial role in policy development and implementation, advising the governor on disability policy, ensuring cross-agency collaboration, and distributing funding through the CDFC to disability organizations and businesses.

Those who reside in California and need assistance with disability-related matters can also seek help from the California Employment Development Department (EDD). This state agency administers unemployment insurance benefits, disability insurance, paid family leave and other services that help job seekers and employers. You can connect with a representative from EDD by contacting the provided phone number. For faster service, it’s best to call early in the morning or late in the evening when phone lines are not as busy. Also, you can visit the website eddcaller.com for more helpful tips on how to get a hold of EDD.