Deafness Benefits in Utah: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your deafness must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For adults, you must not be able to do Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind. If your earnings are above this, you may not qualify for benefits. Children with deafness may also qualify if their condition meets the criteria for childhood disability. You must also meet work history and income/resource requirements depending on the program.

• SSI: Based on financial need and disability. Income and resources must be below set limits.
• SSDI: Based on work history and disability. You need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 SGA limits and eligibility [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

In Utah, people who are deaf may qualify for state-specific programs in addition to federal benefits. If you receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits, you automatically meet the disability criteria for Utah Medicaid’s Aged, Blind or Disabled programs. If you do not receive SSI or SSDI, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can make a disability determination. Utah also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help with communication devices, interpreters, or other supports. Utah’s Department of Workforce Services provides vocational rehabilitation services for people who are deaf, including job training and support.

• Utah Medicaid: Covers medical, mental health, and long-term services for people with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers: May provide additional supports for people who are deaf.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Offers job training and support for people who are deaf.

Source: Utah Medicaid, Utah Workforce Services [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• Check if your deafness meets Social Security’s definition.
• Gather medical records and proof of income/resources.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For Utah Medicaid, apply through the Utah Department of Workforce Services or Medicaid portal.
• Report any changes in income or employment to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI, and Utah Medicaid. Make sure your deafness meets the criteria.
• Step 2: Collect medical documentation, such as audiograms, doctor’s reports, and any records of communication needs.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
• Step 4: If applying for Utah Medicaid, submit an application through the Utah Department of Workforce Services or the Medicaid portal. You may need to provide proof of disability and income.
• Step 5: If you are approved, you will receive a notice with details about your benefits. Report any changes in income, employment, or living situation as soon as possible.
• Step 6: For vocational rehabilitation or additional supports, contact Utah’s Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or the Department of Workforce Services.

Source: SSA.gov, Utah Medicaid, Utah Workforce Services [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have a work history.
• Medicare: Provides health insurance after 24 months of SSDI.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements.
• ABLE Accounts: Allows saving for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• Utah Medicaid Aged, Blind or Disabled Programs: Provides medical assistance for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Offers home and community-based services for people with disabilities, which may include communication devices or interpreters.
• Utah Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Provides vocational rehabilitation, job training, and support services for people who are deaf.
• Utah Department of Workforce Services: Offers vocational rehabilitation and employment support for people with disabilities.

Source: Utah Medicaid, Utah Workforce Services [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Utah, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are limited to $19,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related costs.

Source: Disability Law Center Utah [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• SSI: Income and resources must be below set limits. In 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above SGA ($1,620/month in 2025) may affect benefits.
• Utah Medicaid: Income must be below 100% of the federal poverty level for standard eligibility, or up to 250% with the Medicaid Work Incentive.

Source: SSA.gov, Utah Medicaid [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

You must report changes in income, employment, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office.

Source: SSA.gov [Accessed: 2025-11-06]

• Utah Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  Phone: 801-538-4200

  TTY: 801-538-4201

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Provides vocational rehabilitation, job training, and support services for people who are deaf.
• Utah Department of Workforce Services
  Phone: 801-526-9300

  TTY: 801-526-9301

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  Offers vocational rehabilitation and employment support for people with disabilities.

• Can deafness qualify for SSI or SSDI in Utah?

  Yes, if your deafness meets Social Security’s definition of disability and you meet income or work history requirements. Medical documentation is required.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind.

• How do I apply for Utah Medicaid if I am deaf?

  You can apply online through the Utah Department of Workforce Services or Medicaid portal. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify.

• What work incentives are available for people who are deaf in Utah?

  Utah offers Medicaid Work Incentive, which lets you keep Medicaid if you work and earn up to 250% of the federal poverty level.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account if I am deaf?

  Yes, ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Utah offers its own ABLE program.

• What happens if my income changes while receiving benefits?

  You must report changes in income or employment to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits.

• Are there special programs for children who are deaf in Utah?

  Yes, children with deafness may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the criteria. Utah also offers Medicaid waivers and vocational rehabilitation services.