Utah Disability Benefits

If you or a family member live in Utah and have a disability, you may qualify for Utah disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Disability benefits may come in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), both of which are federal SSA programs that each state manages for its residents.

Utah citizens may qualify for SSDI benefits with an eligible disability, income, and work history, to receive financial assistance when they are unable to find sustainable work.

Disability Facts About Utah

The Utah Department of Health notes that approximately one in five adults in Utah is living with a disability. That’s slightly less than the national average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Still, these individuals are afflicted with cognition impairments, mobility issues, challenges completing daily living tasks, and other disabilities that make everyday life more complicated.

Utah has several programs in place for people with physical and developmental disabilities to get financial assistance, medical assistance, and vocational rehabilitation, in addition to administering federal programs, like SSI and SSDI.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Utah

Because SSDI is a federal program, an applicant must meet general guidelines to be eligible for the program. However, the amount you receive each month may be different in Utah than in other states to account for variances in the cost of living.

Generally, a claimant must fall within earned income guidelines, have an eligible disability, and be under the age of 65. Applicants must also have enough work credits – at least 40 – to claim SSDI benefits. You receive up to four work credits per year that you work or have self-employment income, and your credits are based on how much you earn. Once you’ve earned at least $5,880 in a year, you’ve earned your four credits.

A disability must also be a total disability, meaning that you won’t qualify if your disability is presumed to be partial or short-term. The SSA considers your medical condition(s), work history, and ability to complete the work you once did when determining your eligibility.

How To Apply for SSDI in Utah

Utahns may apply for Social Security disability benefits in several ways. You may complete forms online by visiting SSA.gov, apply by phone toll-free line at 1-800-772-1213, or visit one of Utah’s five SSA field offices to complete the application. You can also mail your application to your nearest office.

The SSA will require you to have your Social Security number for your application, as well as any medical evidence that provides proof of your disability. If you need help filling out the application, you can consult with a Social Security disability advocate or attorney to help you complete your SSDI claim. Scheduling an in-person appointment at your local office may also help you get any questions you have answered.

How To Appeal a Denial in Utah

The SSA’s disability determination service handles the determination of each disability claim. If you disagree with the decision, you can request a reconsideration before moving onto further appeals regarding your disability benefits. A reconsideration allows a new reviewer to examine your evidence and decide if you’re eligible for assistance.

If the reconsideration doesn’t reach a different decision, a Utah resident may request a hearing from an administrative law judge (ALJ). Hearings usually occur in person, and you’ll receive information in the mail about the location, date, and time.

Further appeals move to the Appeals Council for review, followed by a Federal Court review. It may be a good idea to hire a lawyer to accompany you to, and prepare you for, a disability hearing and ensure that your paperwork is accurate and filled out properly. You may request a hearing or review for any of the appeals process steps online through the SSA website.

More Utah Benefits

Utah residents may qualify for other benefits through the federal government or the state, depending on their situation and income, even if they aren’t eligible for SSDI. The following programs are a few of the most common ones people seek out in Utah for assistance:

SSI

SSI is another form of Social Security disability benefit that’s separate from the SSDI program. SSI is also for people with a disability, but they also must have limited income and resources to qualify. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not count prior work experience for individuals to qualify. Instead, it’s more need-based, allowing children with a short or long-term disability to also qualify for financial assistance.

You may apply for SSDI and SSI separately or concurrently. Apply for SSI via your local Utah SSA field office, by phone, or by visiting the SSA’s website to apply online. Your Utah Social Security office will check your disability application to determine if you qualify for both programs, even if you only apply for one.

Utah Medicaid

Medicaid is a federally-funded program that’s administered by each state, offering assistance in paying for healthcare. However, states must follow federal guidelines for the program. Utah Department of Health Medicaid oversees the Utah Medicaid program, which offers coverage for ambulance services, prescriptions, diagnostics, hospital visits, primary care visits, and other necessary healthcare services. To be eligible for the benefit, Utah residents must meet income guidelines, which may vary depending on each household’s situation.

Learn more about Utah Medicaid, how it works, and how to apply.

Utah Unemployment

Utah workers who are unemployed or have been laid off from their jobs may receive unemployment compensation through the state. Eligible individuals must prove that they’ve been laid off or lost a job through no fault of their own and have earned at least $4,200 during the base period (the first four of the last five completed quarters).

Learn more about Utah unemployment benefits.

If you’re a disabled veteran, be sure to check with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to learn about VA disability benefits.

Utah Social Security Offices

Utah Hearing and Appeal Offices

Utah is in Region 8 (Denver), which services Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. 

The Salt Lake City Hearing Office services the following cities in Utah and Idaho: Cedar City, Moab, Murray, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls ID, and Pocatello ID.