CO HB1223

Creates a state program administered by the Department of Human Services to help individuals applying for federal disability benefits (Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance), with participation optional for county departments.

Provides assistance including referrals to medical providers, outreach reminders, help compiling documentation, completing applications, and appealing denials for individuals receiving Aid to the Needy Disabled benefits.

Establishes the Disability Benefits Application Assistance Fund in the state treasury, with unexpended Aid to the Needy Disabled program grants transferred to the fund starting in fiscal year 2020-21.

Appropriates $1,450,000 from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund for fiscal year 2019-20, consisting of $157,990 for administration and $1,292,010 for county program funding.

Requires the State Department to evaluate the program one year after implementation and every five years thereafter to measure approval rates, application timeliness, and reduction in Aid to the Needy Disabled participation duration.