Disability Benefits Services (DBS)

Easterseals Colorado Disability Benefits Services (DBS) assists individuals with disabilities to acquire income, health insurance, and other basic needs to stabilize their lives, health and living situations.  Our services (listed below) support a philosophy that encourages and supports work as a goal - either as a supplement to disability benefits or, as health improves, working one’s way off disability benefits to financial independence.  In line with this philosophy, we work closely with our employment department to offer employment services while assisting with SSI/SSDI.  We also offer comprehensive benefits counseling for individuals who are receiving SSI/SSDI and are interested in working.

Social Security Disability Application Assistance

We provide individual assistance for eligible individuals who need help navigating the Social Security disability application process.

Comprehensive Work Incentives & Benefits Counseling

Easterseals Colorado provides personalized benefits counseling so SSI/SSDI beneficiaries can make informed decisions about returning to work. Our counselors provide beneficiaries with the peace of mind needed to pursue their employment goals.

Free Disability Application Overview

For an introduction on disability applications, CLICK HERE to watch our free disability overview.

Disability Webinar Trainings

CLICK HERE for information and ONLINE registration for Disability Webinar Trainings.
CLICK HERE for the 2023 flyer and PRINTABLE registration for Disability Webinar Trainings.
Our mission is to help people understand and aquire Social Security disability benefits so they can improve their financial situation as well as their health. Our webinar series is designed to simplify Social Security's complex application process so an individual can successfully apply for benefits at the initial level without the need for representation. We have chosen six topics that are relevant to anyone assisting in or preparing for the SSA disability application process, including individuals applying for SSI/SSDI, families of individuals with disabilities, clinicians, case managers, advocates, and staff who provide services to individuals in need of accessing disability benefits. There are Four 6-Week Webinar Series for 2023. You may register for one webinar or all 6 webinars in the series. Webinars take place weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. MST. 

2023 Dates:

• Series 1: January 4, 11,18, 25 and February 1, 8
• Series 2: April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10
• Series 3: July 5, 12, 26 and August 2, 9, 16
• Series 4: October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, 15

Topics include:

• The SSA Disability Programs and Process
• The SSA Application Forms
• The Medical Eligibility Criteria
• Transition from Child to Adult Disability
• The SSA Work History Report
• The SSA Adult Function Report

For more information on Webinar Trainings, please contact Byron Kish at (303) 515-1653 or email bkish@eastersealscolorado.org.

Colorado SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Training

SOAR training in Colorado is now conducted through the online training program. The SOAR Online Course is FREE and self-paced. It includes comprehensive information about SSI/SSDI, SSA's disability determination process, and the SOAR Critical Components for completing and submitting high-quality SSI/SSDI applications. Trainees also have the unique opportunity to apply what is learned through the completion of a Practice Case Application Packet for a fictional applicant, which is submitted to the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center for review and individualized feedback. You can sign up for the adult and/or child courses at https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/.

In addition, Disability Benefits Services offers a SOAR refresher course, as well as, other advanced trainings to further develop an advocate's knowledge and skills. If interested, please contact Byron Kish at (303) 515-1653 or email bkish@eastersealscolorado.org.

Consultations 

DBS offers consultations on SSA issues to individuals and organzations. Please contact Byron Kish at (303) 515-1653 or email bkish@eastersealscolorado.org for more information.

Questions?

Please contact Marisa Battiest at 303-514-3326 or email mbattiest@eastersealscolorado.org.