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Utah • Chronic Illness
If you have HIV/AIDS in Utah, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Utah, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability starts. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. HIV/AIDS is listed as a qualifying condition if it severely limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility.
The 2025 Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for those who are statutorily blind. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI cash benefits for that month. After a nine-month trial work period, your benefits may be suspended if your earnings exceed SGA.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025 SGA limits, Utah Workforce Services PDF]
In Utah, people with HIV/AIDS may also qualify for state-specific programs. The Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS). These waivers help cover costs for care, therapy, and support services. To qualify, you must meet federal disability rules and have limited income and resources. Utah also has ABLE accounts, which let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The 2025 contribution limit is $19,000 per year, or $34,650 if your employer doesn’t contribute to your retirement account.
Utah’s Medicaid program covers medical care for people with HIV/AIDS who meet income and disability requirements. You can apply for Medicaid through the Utah Health Program or the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Some programs may have waiting lists, so apply early.
[Source: Utah.gov, Disability Law Center Utah, Utah Legislature S.B. 21]
[Source: SSA.gov, Utah.gov, Disability Law Center Utah]
[Source: SSA.gov, Disability Law Center Utah]
[Source: Utah.gov, Disability Law Center Utah, Utah Legislature S.B. 21]
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, or $34,650 if your employer doesn’t contribute to your retirement account. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Open an account through the Utah ABLE program.
[Source: Disability Law Center Utah]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual, $1,415/month for a couple. Utah may have higher limits for Medicaid. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind. Earnings above SGA may suspend benefits.
[Source: SSA.gov, Utah Workforce Services PDF]
If your income or health changes, report it to the SSA and Utah agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you earn more than SGA, your benefits may be suspended. If your earnings drop below SGA, you may be able to restart benefits. Keep records of all changes and reports.
[Source: SSA.gov, Utah Workforce Services PDF]
Utah Medicaid waivers may have waiting lists. Apply as soon as you qualify to get support sooner.
ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Contribute up to $19,000 in 2025.
Yes, if HIV/AIDS limits your ability to work, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet federal rules and provide medical proof. Utah also offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.
The 2025 SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for those who are statutorily blind. Earnings above this may suspend SSDI or SSI benefits.
Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. You must meet federal disability rules and income limits. Waivers cover home and community-based services.
Yes, you can work during a nine-month trial period. After that, if your earnings exceed SGA, benefits may be suspended. If earnings drop below SGA, you may restart benefits.
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 disability-related expenses.
Yes, report any changes to the SSA and Utah agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and reports.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You need records that show your HIV/AIDS diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. This may include lab results, doctor notes, and treatment history.
Yes, if you meet both programs’ rules. SSDI is based on work history, SSI on income and resources. You may get both if you qualify.
It can take 3–6 months to get a decision. If denied, you can appeal. Apply early and provide complete records to speed up the process.
Utah offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, case management, therapy, and support services through the Division of Services for People with Disabilities and local health departments.
