People with aphasia in Utah may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs and Medicaid. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Aphasia may qualify if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work. Children with aphasia may also be eligible for benefits if their condition meets SSA criteria.
Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. The DAC must be unmarried and have a qualifying disability that started before age 22. The SSA’s definition of disability for adults applies.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be around $1,620 per month, and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits.
Utah residents with aphasia may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide long-term services and supports. To qualify for Medicaid, you or your family must have SSI-countable income below 100% of the federal poverty level and less than $2,000 in countable resources. If your income or resources are higher, you may be able to “spend down” or use the Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI), which allows you to keep Medicaid if you have SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level and less than $15,000 in countable savings or property.
Utah also offers ABLE accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. The Utah ABLE program is administered by the state and follows federal guidelines.
Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI. You’ll need medical evidence showing how aphasia affects your ability to work.
Step 2: Collect documents: medical records, proof of income, work history, and identification.
Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
Step 4: For Medicaid, apply through the Utah Medicaid portal or your local Department of Workforce Services office.
Step 5: If eligible, you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.
Step 6: For ABLE accounts, enroll through the Utah ABLE program website.
Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Step 8: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
SSA Apply for Benefits (2025-04-01)
Utah Medicaid Application (2025-04-01)
Utah ABLE Program (2025-04-01)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to those who have worked and paid into Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to those with limited income and resources.
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to those with low income and resources.
Medicare: Provides health coverage to those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
ABLE Accounts: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
SSA Disability Programs (2025-04-01)
Medicaid Overview (2025-04-01)
Medicare Overview (2025-04-01)
ABLE Accounts (2025-04-01)
Utah Medicaid Waivers: Provide long-term services and supports for individuals with disabilities, including those with aphasia. These waivers can cover home and community-based services.
Utah ABLE Program: Allows individuals with disabilities to save money in a tax-advantaged account without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
Utah Department of Workforce Services: Offers vocational rehabilitation and employment services for individuals with disabilities.
Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD): Provides case management and support services for individuals with disabilities.
Utah Medicaid Waivers (2025-04-01)
Utah ABLE Program (2025-04-01)
Utah DSPD (2025-04-01)
ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Utah, you can open an ABLE account through the Utah ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for disability-related expenses. The maximum annual contribution is $18,000 (2025).
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. For Medicaid, you must have SSI-countable income below 100% of the federal poverty level and less than $2,000 in countable resources. If your income or resources are higher, you may be able to “spend down” or use the Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI), which allows you to keep Medicaid if you have SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level and less than $15,000 in countable savings or property.
It’s important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, you may be asked to repay it. You can request a waiver if you can’t afford to repay. Report changes promptly to SSA and Medicaid.
In 2025, expect a 2.5% COLA increase in Social Security Disability benefits and a higher SGA limit (around $1,620/month for non-blind individuals). These changes help keep benefits in line with inflation and allow some to earn more while keeping benefits.
Yes, aphasia can qualify for SSI and SSDI if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work. You must meet SSA’s definition of disability and provide medical evidence.
For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. Your income must also be below the federal limit, which changes yearly.
You can apply for Medicaid online through the Utah Medicaid portal or in person at a local Department of Workforce Services office. You’ll need to provide proof of income and resources.
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is expected to be around $1,620 per month, and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives allow some to earn income without losing benefits.
Medicaid waivers in Utah provide long-term services and supports for individuals with disabilities, including those with aphasia. These waivers can cover home and community-based services.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Utah Department of Workforce Services (2025-04-01)
You can open an ABLE account through the Utah ABLE program website. You’ll need to provide proof of disability and identification.
The Disabled Adult Child benefit is for adults with a disability that began before age 22. If a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, the adult child may qualify for benefits on the parent’s record.
If you get an overpayment, you may be asked to repay it. You can request a waiver if you can’t afford to repay. Report changes promptly to avoid overpayments.
You should report changes in income, resources, or living situation as soon as possible to avoid overpayments and ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.
