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Utah • Chronic Illness
People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Utah may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and HCBS waivers. This guide covers eligibility, Medicaid vs. Medicare, income limits, application steps, and Utah-specific resources.
To qualify for federal benefits like SSDI or SSI with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you must have a severe impairment that prevents full-time work for at least 12 months. SSDI requires enough work credits, while SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria, including symptoms, lab tests, and doctor statements. No matter your diagnosis, your disability must be severe enough to keep you from working at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. For 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for most people, $2,700/month if you are blind[2][4]. For SSI, you also must have assets under $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) and very low income[5]. Children with disabilities may qualify for benefits under different rules (e.g., Disabled Adult Child benefits if the disability started before age 22)[4].
Utah uses federal eligibility rules for SSI and SSDI, but has its own Medicaid programs for people who are aged, blind, or disabled. If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Utah Medicaid. If you are on SSDI but not SSI, Utah’s Medicaid Medical Review Board may review your claim if Social Security did not deny you for medical reasons[3]. For adults with chronic conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, proving you cannot work is key. Utah also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which help people stay at home instead of moving to a facility—ask about these via the state’s Medicaid agency. Utah Medicaid has special rules if you work, including higher income limits and a sliding-scale premium through the Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) if you earn below 250% of the federal poverty level and have under $15,000 in countable resources[5]. State-specific information is limited; start here: Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Disability Law Center of Utah.
If you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and live in Utah, start by checking your eligibility for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. Apply online at the Social Security website for SSI/SSDI, or contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents. For help, call Utah’s 2-1-1 helpline or contact the Disability Law Center.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Review federal and Utah Medicaid rules. If you are uncertain, contact the SSA or Utah Medicaid for a pre-screening.
Step 2: Gather Documents You’ll need medical records, doctor’s notes, work history, pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of identity.
Step 3: Apply for Benefits
Step 4: Follow Up Respond quickly to any requests from SSA or Utah Medicaid. Attend any required medical exams.
Step 5: Report Changes Tell SSA and Utah Medicaid promptly if your income, work status, or health changes. This helps avoid overpayments or loss of benefits—see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Step 6: Explore Waivers and Work Incentives Ask Utah Medicaid about HCBS waivers and MWI if you work. These programs offer more flexibility and support.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. Even with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you must prove you cannot work at SGA level[1][2][4].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income Americans with disabilities or over 65. You do not need a work history, but must have very limited income and assets. SSI rules are strict—even small income or asset changes can affect benefits[5].
Medicare: After two years on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare, which can help cover health care costs. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is not income-based.
ABLE Accounts: Special savings accounts for people with disabilities allow you to save up to $19,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid. Useful for managing medical and daily living expenses.
Utah Medicaid – Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): Provides health coverage for low-income Utah residents who are 65+, blind, or disabled. If you are on SSI, you are automatically eligible. If you are on SSDI only, Utah’s Medicaid Medical Review Board may review your medical records to decide if you qualify for state Medicaid[3].
Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI): If you have a disability and work, you may qualify for Medicaid even if your income is up to 250% of the federal poverty level and you have under $15,000 in countable resources. You will pay a sliding-scale monthly premium[5].
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Utah offers several Medicaid waivers to help people with disabilities live at home instead of in a facility. These waivers can cover personal care, respite, and other supportive services—ask your Medicaid caseworker or visit the Utah Medicaid website for details.
Disability Law Center of Utah: A nonprofit that provides free legal help for people with disabilities, including advice on benefits and appeals.
State-specific information is limited; start with Utah’s Medicaid agency and the Disability Law Center.
ABLE Accounts let you save up to $19,000 a year (2025) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, health care, and more. They are especially helpful for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome who need to manage unpredictable medical costs. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI: You must have very low income and less than $2,000 in countable resources (single) or $3,000 (couple)[5].
SSDI: No income or asset limit, but you cannot earn above SGA—$1,620/month for most, $2,700/month for blind individuals in 2025[2][4].
Utah Medicaid (MWI): Income up to 250% of federal poverty level and under $15,000 in resources if you work[5].
Always report changes—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Report any income, resource, or health changes to SSA and Utah Medicaid as soon as possible. Delays can cause overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you work, use SSI & SSDI work incentives to report earnings correctly and keep benefits. For free legal help, contact the Disability Law Center of Utah.
If your income, resources, or health status changes, you must tell Social Security and Utah Medicaid right away. Waiting can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits. Learn more in our guide to Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Utah’s Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) lets you keep Medicaid while working, even if your income is up to 250% of the poverty level and you have less than $15,000 in resources. You’ll pay a sliding-scale premium—ask your caseworker for details[5].
Yes, if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent full-time work for over 12 months and meet federal disability criteria. Diagnosis alone is not enough—strong medical evidence is required[4].
Apply online, by phone, or in person with Utah Department of Health and Human Services. If you get SSI, you are automatically eligible. If not, the state may review your medical records to decide[3].
Yes, but there are strict income limits. For SSDI/SSI, you cannot earn above Substantial Gainful Activity ($1,620/month in 2025). Utah Medicaid has higher limits for workers through the MWI program[2][5].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits. They are a smart choice if you need to manage unpredictable medical costs. Funds can be used for many disability-related expenses.
If you exceed income or resource limits, your SSI or Medicaid benefits may be reduced or stopped. For SSDI, earning above SGA could pause or end your cash benefit until your income drops below the limit[2][5].
Yes, Utah offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities. Ask your Medicaid caseworker about these options to get help with daily living at home.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Always check with official agencies for the most current program details, eligibility, and application rules.
The Disability Law Center of Utah offers free legal help for benefits and appeals. You can also contact Utah’s 2-1-1 helpline for referrals.
Most people must renew Medicaid annually. You’ll get a notice with instructions—follow it promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
You have the right to appeal. Contact the Disability Law Center of Utah for free help with appeals and hearings.
Children may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low enough. Once they turn 18, they must meet the adult disability rules to continue receiving benefits[4][5].
