If you are deaf in Utah, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for medical and financial support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
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.
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.
Source: Utah Medicaid, Utah Workforce Services [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA.gov, Utah Medicaid, Utah Workforce Services [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
Source: SSA.gov, Medicaid.gov [Accessed: 2025-11-06]
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]
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]
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for those who are statutorily blind. This affects eligibility for SSDI and SSI.
Yes, if your deafness meets Social Security’s definition of disability and you meet income or work history requirements. Medical documentation is required.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind.
You can apply online through the Utah Department of Workforce Services or Medicaid portal. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you automatically qualify.
Utah offers Medicaid Work Incentive, which lets you keep Medicaid if you work and earn up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
Yes, ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Utah offers its own ABLE program.
You must report changes in income or employment to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits.
Yes, children with deafness may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the criteria. Utah also offers Medicaid waivers and vocational rehabilitation services.
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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Contact Utah’s Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or the Department of Workforce Services for job training and support.
You need medical records, such as audiograms and doctor’s reports, to prove your deafness and its impact on your ability to work.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives let you keep benefits while working.
