CO HB1192

Creates a program administered by the state department of human services through county departments to help individuals with disabilities navigate federal disability benefits applications, including supplemental security income and social security disability insurance.

Authorizes county departments to provide services such as referrals to medical providers, application assistance, documentation support, progress tracking, and assistance with appeals of denials.

Requires the state department to distribute program funding to counties using an allocation formula based on the number of aid to the needy disabled program participants and regional availability, after receiving input from counties and stakeholders.

Mandates program evaluation five years after implementation and every five years thereafter to measure goals including timely applications, approval rates, time to qualify for benefits, and reduction in aid to the needy disabled program participation length.

Establishes the disability benefits application assistance fund in the state treasury, requiring the state treasurer and controller to annually transfer unexpended and unencumbered aid to the needy disabled appropriations from the general fund beginning in fiscal year 2018-19.