Colo. Gov. Polis: Colorado Launches $500,000 Grant Opportunity for Disability Application Assistance

DENVER, Colorado, May 26 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:

The Colorado Disability Funding Committee announced an innovative grant opportunity for organizations working to create and support innovative ways to increase independence and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. The Disability Benefit Application Assistance Grant provides $500,000 in funding opportunities for organizations providing application assistance for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid long-term services and supports.

"Getting access to financial assistance through Social Security and Medicaid long-term services and supports can be challenging, fortunately Colorado has navigators who can help people with disabilities access the care they need. The Colorado Disability Funding Committee has raised more than $500,000 from the sale of the rights to license plate configurations and historic license plate backgrounds this fiscal year which will fund these grants to help Coloradans with disabilities access the benefits they qualify for," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

In January, The Colorado Disability Funding Committee reintroduced three previously retired Colorado license plate backgrounds and allocated the sales revenue to fund this grant. The three reintroduced license plates feature the word COLORADO in white lettering on solid blue, red, and black backgrounds respectively based on the 1914, 1915 visitor, and 1945 Colorado license plates. These backgrounds, as well as the green mountain background re-released in 2021, are now available for purchase in-person at county DMV offices or online at mydmv.colorado.gov. Graphics of the license plate backgrounds can be found in this folder.

The Colorado Disability Funding Committee is made up of 13 Governor-appointed members, with the requirement that at least seven members must identify as living with a disability or have first-hand experience working with someone who does. Members oversee the distribution of grant funds which are used to invest in new and innovative initiatives working to increase the quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities, like assistance for programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid long-term support services.

The Colorado Disability Funding Committee also raises revenue through license plate configuration auctions, including a recent Star Wars themed auction and the Casa Bonita / South Park themed auction, which is open until 7:00PM tonight. Upcoming auction themes include Denver Nuggets, automotive, and Colorado Day in August. Additional information on upcoming auctions can be found on the committee's website https://disabilityfundingcommittee.colorado.gov/.

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Original text here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/10201-colorado-launches-500000-grant-opportunity-disability-application-assistance