If you have asthma in Utah, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, and state programs such as Medicaid. In 2025, benefit amounts and work limits are increasing. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with asthma, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, usually earning 40 credits (20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be limited, regardless of work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your asthma meets their criteria. If your asthma is not listed, you may still qualify if it severely limits your ability to work.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are statutorily blind. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits. The SSA also considers your age, education, and work experience when deciding eligibility.
In Utah, you may qualify for Medicaid if you are disabled and meet income and resource limits. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services runs the Medicaid program. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically meet the disability requirement for Medicaid. If you do not receive these benefits, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled based on medical evidence. Utah Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, medications, and other services for people with asthma.
Utah also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help people with asthma live independently. These waivers may cover personal care, home health, and other supports. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial criteria.
Step 1: Review the SSA’s Blue Book listing for respiratory disorders to see if your asthma meets the criteria. If not, gather medical evidence showing how your asthma limits your ability to work.
Step 2: Collect your medical records, work history, and personal information (Social Security number, birth certificate, etc.).
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for Utah Medicaid at ApplyUTAH.gov.
Step 4: Wait for the SSA to review your application. They may ask for more information or schedule a medical exam.
Step 5: If approved, you will receive a notice of award. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
Step 6: Once approved for SSDI or SSI, apply for Utah Medicaid for medical coverage. If you need home and community-based services, apply for a Medicaid waiver.
Step 7: Report any changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (accessed 2025-11-06)
Utah Medicaid: Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
Utah Medicaid Waivers: How to Apply (accessed 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the average payment is about $1,500 per month, with a 2.5% cost-of-living increase.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, with possible state supplements.
Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
Medicaid: Health insurance for people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities.
SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
SSA: SSI Payments (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicare: Overview (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicaid: Overview (accessed 2025-11-06)
Utah Medicaid (Aged, Blind or Disabled): Medical assistance for people with qualifying disabilities. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, medications, and more. You may qualify if you receive SSI or SSDI, or if the State Medicaid Medical Review Board determines you are disabled.
Utah Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help people with disabilities live independently. May cover personal care, home health, and other supports. You must meet medical and financial criteria.
Utah ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $19,000 per year in 2025 without losing benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food assistance for people with low income. Utah has one of the lowest participation rates for people with disabilities.
Utah Medicaid: Aged, Blind or Disabled (accessed 2025-11-06)
Utah ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. To open an account, visit UtahABLE.org.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) to keep benefits. For Utah Medicaid, income and resource limits vary by program.
You must report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your benefits may be suspended or terminated. If your earnings drop below the limit, you may be able to restart benefits. Always report changes promptly to avoid penalties.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The SSA uses medical evidence to decide if your condition meets their criteria.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are statutorily blind. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits.
If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. If not, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled based on medical evidence.
Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities live independently. They may cover personal care, home health, and other supports. You must meet medical and financial criteria.
Yes, if your earnings are below the SGA limit. You can work and still receive benefits, but you must report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $19,000 per year in 2025 without losing benefits.
In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, with possible state supplements.
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 Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06)
Utah ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-06)
Utah SNAP (accessed 2025-11-06)
If you earn more than the SGA limit, your benefits may be suspended or terminated. If your earnings drop below the limit, you may be able to restart benefits.
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments and penalties.
You can get help from the Utah Disability Law Center, local Social Security offices, or the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
