The Old Age Pension (OAP) program provides financial assistance and may provide medical benefits for low-income adults age 60 or older who meet basic eligibility requirements.  The OAP program provides financial benefits up to $699.00 per month as of January 2011.   Other income such as wages, Social Security benefits (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Veteran's Assistance may reduce the amount of the OAP benefit.   

 

Applicants for OAP my have countable resources up to $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 if married.  Countable resources include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposits, a second vehicle, secondary property, such as land that you do not live on, and other assets.  Your principle residecne and principle vehicle are not countable resources.

 

OAP recipients may qualify for Medicaid or the Old Age Pension Heath Care Program.  The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing adminsters the medical program

 

To qualify to receive OAP benefits you must be 60 years or older and a Colorado resident, a citizen of the United States, a naturalized citizen, or an eligibe legal resident.  You must meet all other eligibility requirements. 

 

Applicants and recipients of OAP are required to apply for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits if they are  

1. 65 or older with income less than the current maximum SSI payment of $674.00 per month in 2011.
2. 60 through 64 who are disabled.
3. 60 or older who do not have an employment history in the past 15 years.
4. 60 or older who are not able to return to their previous job.
5. 62 or older and are potentially eligible for Social Security early retirement benefits.

Anyone applying for Old Age Pension benefits that meet one or more of the requirements above, must apply for SSI/SSA prior to being approved for OAP benefits.

To apply for OAP benefits or for more information about OAP eligibility call or go to your County Department of Social (Human) Services.