If you have Bipolar Disorder in Utah, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. These programs help cover medical care, living costs, and work supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changed in 2025.
To get federal disability benefits for Bipolar Disorder, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working full time and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. The SSA reviews medical records, work history, and how your Bipolar Disorder affects daily life. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI. For SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. If you are under 22, special rules may apply. Always report changes in income or health to the SSA.
In Utah, you can get Medicaid if you are disabled, including those with Bipolar Disorder. If you receive SSI or Social Security Disability, you automatically meet the disability requirement for Medicaid. If you don’t get SSI, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled. To qualify for Medicaid, your income must be below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. If your income is higher, you may qualify for the Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) program, which lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have SSI-countable income below 250% of FPL and less than $15,000 in countable savings. MWI requires a monthly premium based on income. Always report changes to Medicaid right away.
Step 1: Get medical records that show your Bipolar Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. Ask your doctor for a detailed letter.
Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for both at the same time.
Step 3: If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for Utah Medicaid. If not, apply for Medicaid through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services website or office.
Step 4: If you are working, ask about the Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) program. This lets you keep Medicaid if you have SSI-countable income below 250% of FPL and less than $15,000 in countable savings.
Step 5: Report any changes in income, resources, or health to the SSA and Medicaid right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active.
Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from the Disability Law Center or a legal aid group if needed.
SSA.gov: Apply for SSI/SSDI [4].
Utah Medicaid: Apply online or at your local office [3].
MWI: Ask about work incentives when you apply for Medicaid [5].
Utah residents with Bipolar Disorder can open an ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year (or $34,650 if you work and your employer doesn’t contribute to your retirement). ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits. Funds can pay for housing, education, transportation, and more. To open an account, visit the Utah ABLE program website or call the state ABLE office [5].
Always report changes in income, resources, or health to the SSA and Medicaid right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you think you got an overpayment, contact the SSA or Medicaid office right away. Ask about repayment plans if needed [5].
Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to stop you from working full time and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must meet SSA criteria and provide medical proof. Utah Medicaid is also available for disabled adults.
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI.
If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for Utah Medicaid. If not, apply through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. You can apply online or at your local office. The State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled.
Yes, you can work and keep some benefits. The SGA limit is $1,620/month in 2025. The Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) program lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have SSI-countable income below 250% FPL and less than $15,000 in countable savings.
The resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual. This includes cash, bank accounts, and other countable resources. ABLE accounts do not count toward this limit.
If you have Bipolar Disorder and get SSI or Social Security Disability, you automatically meet the disability requirement for Utah Medicaid. If not, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled.
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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MWI lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have SSI-countable income below 250% FPL and less than $15,000 in countable savings. You pay a monthly premium based on income. Always report changes right away.
Yes, you can get both if you meet the requirements for each. SSDI is based on work credits, SSI is based on low income and resources. Getting SSDI may reduce your SSI amount.
Always report income changes to the SSA and Medicaid right away. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back.
Yes, if you are under 22 and working while in school, you can deduct more from your earnings for SSI. When you turn 18, Social Security uses the adult disability definition to decide if you can keep receiving SSI.
