People who are hard of hearing in Utah may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and how your hearing loss affects your ability to work. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a hearing loss that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your hearing loss 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 SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) for most people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI. Children with hearing loss may also qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria.
In Utah, people who are hard of hearing may qualify for state-specific programs in addition to federal benefits. Utah’s Medicaid program covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible children and adults. The Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) offers waivers for home and community-based services, which can include support for communication devices and personal care. To qualify for DSPD waivers, you must meet income and disability criteria. Utah also has work incentive programs that help people with disabilities keep Medicaid while working. State-specific eligibility may change, so check with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services for the latest rules.
Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for hearing loss. You’ll need medical proof of your hearing loss, such as audiograms and doctor’s notes.
Step 2: Collect your work history and pay stubs if applying for SSDI. For SSI, gather income and resource information.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Step 4: If you need Medicaid, apply through Utah’s Health Program Portal. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers through Utah DSPD.
Step 5: For state-specific programs, contact Utah DSPD or the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or health to SSA and Utah agencies to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
SSA: Apply for Disability (2025-11-06)
Utah Health Program Portal (2025-11-06)
Utah DSPD Waivers (2025-11-06)
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual. Utah may add a state supplement.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments based on your work history. In 2025, the average SSDI payment is about $1,500/month.
Medicaid: Covers medical care, including hearing aids and audiology services, for eligible people with disabilities.
Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI, covers some hearing-related services.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)
Medicaid: Benefits (2025-11-06)
ABLE National Resource Center (2025-11-06)
Utah Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including support for communication devices and personal care. Eligibility is based on income and disability.
Utah DSPD: Offers case management, respite care, and other supports for people with disabilities.
Utah ABLE Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Utah Work Incentives: Help people with disabilities keep Medicaid while working, with a sliding-scale premium based on income.
Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Provides job training and support for people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing.
Utah DSPD Waivers (2025-11-06)
Utah ABLE Program (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 Utah ABLE Program. The annual contribution limit is $19,000 in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses.
In 2025, the SSI income limit is $943/month for an individual. The SSDI SGA limit is $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind). For Medicaid, your income must be below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for full benefits, or below 250% FPL with a premium for work incentives. Resource limits are $2,000 for SSI and $15,000 for Medicaid work incentives.
You must report any changes in income, resources, or health to SSA and Utah agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of all changes and correspondence.
Contact Utah DSPD or your local Social Security office for free help with applications and appeals. Many organizations offer support for people who are hard of hearing.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is based on your work history. Both programs can provide monthly cash benefits for people with qualifying hearing loss. SSI is need-based, SSDI is insurance-based.
Yes, Utah Medicaid covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible adults and children. You must meet income and disability criteria to qualify for Medicaid.
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits in Utah. There are work incentives that let you keep Medicaid and SSI/SSDI while working, as long as your earnings are below certain limits.
To apply for a Medicaid waiver in Utah, contact the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD). You’ll need to meet income and disability criteria and may be placed on a waiting list.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, resources, or health to SSA and Utah agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties.
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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Utah Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (2025-11-06)
Utah Medicaid (2025-11-06)
Yes, children who are hard of hearing may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid if they meet the criteria. Benefits may continue into adulthood if the disability started before age 22.
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. Earning more than this may affect your eligibility for SSDI or SSI.
You can get help with the application process from Utah DSPD, local Social Security offices, or disability advocacy organizations. Many offer free assistance with applications and appeals.
Yes, Utah offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, work incentives, and vocational rehabilitation services for people who are hard of hearing. Contact Utah DSPD for more information.
