Published October 2009 Vol. 13 Issue 9

by Sarah Eckhoff

In a budget-tight year, Governor Ritter announced last month that the state intends to cut the 7.1 million dollar Aid to the Needy Disabled Program (AND), leaving approximately 10,310 individuals without monthly support checks.

Established in 1953 by the Colorado General Assembly, AND acts as an “interim assistance program,” giving $200 each month to people who meet the requirements of need and disability and are waiting for their federal Social Security Benefits to begin. SSI applicants wait an average of 22 months for benefits to begin.