If you have chronic pain in Utah, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, Utah Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. Learn how to apply, what income limits apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To get federal disability benefits in Utah, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and resources must be very low. Chronic pain can qualify if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability and is supported by medical evidence [1].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records, work history, and how your pain limits daily activities. You must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620/month in 2025 for most people, or $2,700/month if you are blind [3][5].
In Utah, people with chronic pain may also qualify for Medicaid waivers that help pay for home care, therapy, and other supports. These waivers are for those with very limited income and resources. Utah’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical eligibility for federal disability programs. You can apply for Medicaid waivers through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Utah also offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [4][6].
If you are working, Utah follows federal SGA rules. If your earnings are above the SGA limit, your benefits may be paused or stopped. If your earnings drop below SGA, you may be able to restart benefits [3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Utah, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year in 2025. If you work and your employer does not contribute to a retirement account, you can contribute up to $34,650. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses [6].
Always report changes in your income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. If your earnings are above the SGA limit, your benefits may be paused or stopped. If your earnings drop below SGA, you may be able to restart benefits [3][5].
Yes, chronic pain can qualify if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and is supported by medical evidence. You must meet federal and state eligibility rules for SSDI, SSI, or Medicaid waivers [1][5].
The SGA limit is $1,620/month for most people and $2,700/month if you are blind. If you earn more than this, your benefits may be paused or stopped [3][5].
Contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. They will help you apply for home care, therapy, and other supports. You must have very low income and resources [4].
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. If you earn more than SGA, your benefits may be paused. If your earnings drop below SGA, you may be able to restart benefits [3][5].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Utah, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses [6].
Yes, always report changes to Social Security and Medicaid. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Reporting helps keep your benefits active [3][5].
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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In 2025, SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit will be $1,620/month for most people and $2,700/month if you are blind. Earnings and benefit calculations may also be adjusted [1][3].
Contact Disability Determination Services (DDS) for help with your medical eligibility. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office [4].
Yes, you can get both SSDI and Medicaid if you meet the eligibility rules for each. Medicaid can help pay for health care, therapy, and other supports [5].
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Contact DDS or a disability advocate for help with the appeals process. You may need to provide more medical evidence [4].
