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Department of Human Services (DHS)

Old Age Pension (OAP)


Benefits

Since 1937, the Colorado Constitution has insured Colorado residents a basic retirement income and health coverage. The Old Age Pension (OAP) program provides assistance and health care benefits for low-income adult’s aged 60 or older. Cash payments raise the elder’s income from other sources to $604 per month.

Medical Benefits

All Old Age Pension recipients qualify for medical coverage of:
  • Inpatient hospital services
  • Outpatient hospital services
  • Home health care
  • Laboratory and x-ray services
  • Physician services
  • Pharmacy services
  • Medical transportation
  • Dental care (limited to surgical procedures)
  • Medical supplies and durable equipment
Some Old Age Pension recipients may also qualify for nursing home care, community care, inpatient psychiatric care, Adult Foster Care, or a Home Care Allowance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for OAP you must:

  1. Be aged 60 or older,

  2. Have a gross monthly income below the established program income limits. If you receive Home Care Allowance, this amount may be larger.

    NOTE: Income is anything that can be used to purchase food, clothing, or shelter. Some examples include wages, social security, pensions, child support and unemployment benefits, and spouse’s income.

  3. Have resources below $2000, couple resources below $3000

    Resources are any money that remains unspent from a prior month. Some examples include cash checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, some insurance policies and secondary property.

    Remember:
    The home, a car, personal belongings, household goods, some burial policies, and some life insurance policies are EXEMPT. They are NOT COUNTED as a part of your resources. However, a Medicaid lien may be filed on property to be collected after death.

  4. Be a U.S. Citizen or be eligible under requirements for aliens.

  5. Be a resident of Colorado.

    How to Apply

    You must fill out a written application at the Department of Human Services. A representative can help you complete the application and tell you of any additional documents that are needed.

    Bring as many documents as possible. If you do not have all of your paperwork in order you can gather it after the first interview. Documents to bring.