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Utah • Neurodegenerative
If you have Huntington’s Disease in Utah, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, Utah-specific programs, and practical tips for managing your benefits.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes, and your Huntington’s Disease must prevent you from working for at least one year (or be expected to result in death)[3]. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability[6]. SSI is for people who haven’t worked enough for SSDI or have very low income. Both programs require medical proof of your disability. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month ($2,700/month if blind)—earning more can affect your benefits[2][6].
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are available if your Huntington’s Disease began before age 22 and you have a parent who is retired, disabled, or deceased; you do not need your own work history for this benefit, but must not earn above the SGA limit[3].
State-specific information is limited; start with Utah Workforce Services and the Disability Law Center of Utah for local help and Medicaid details. Utah’s Medicaid program covers long-term supports, mental health care, and services not usually available through private insurance for those with disabilities and low income[4]. Income and resource limits apply, but Utah offers Medicaid Work Incentives (MWI) for people who work but still qualify based on income up to 250% of the federal poverty level and savings under $15,000[4].
For Huntington’s Disease care, check with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to see if you qualify for Medicaid waiver (HCBS) programs, which can help pay for extra support at home or in the community—these waivers often have waiting lists, so apply early. Always report changes in your income, work, or health to both federal and state agencies to avoid benefit delays or overpayments.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources[6]. SSI recipients in Utah usually qualify for Medicaid. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security; benefits are based on your earnings record[3]. In 2025, SSDI benefits are increasing by 2.5% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment[1]. DAC (Disabled Adult Child) benefits help adults disabled before age 22 who have a parent receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits[3].
Federal work incentives let you try working without losing benefits right away, and you can keep Medicare or Medicaid while working[6]. ABLE accounts help you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility—see our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI. Medicaid covers more services, including long-term care, and has different financial rules[4].
Utah operates Medicaid for people with disabilities and low income, including those with Huntington’s Disease[4]. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, mental health, prescription drugs, and long-term services and supports (LTSS). Utah offers Medicaid waivers (like HCBS) to help pay for care at home instead of a nursing facility—these waivers have limited slots and waiting lists, so apply early if you need this support.
Utah Workforce Services provides vocational rehabilitation, job training, and employment support for people with disabilities who want to work[2]. The Disability Law Center is a nonprofit that helps Utahns with disabilities understand their rights, appeal benefit denials, and navigate complex systems[4].
State-specific ABLE account information is not detailed on official Utah sites, but the federal ABLE program is open to all qualifying Utah residents.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can deposit up to $19,000 per year (2025) if no one else contributes to your retirement, or $34,650 if your employer does not contribute to your retirement[4]. ABLE accounts are a smart way to plan for future needs while keeping benefits.
The SGA limit for SSDI and DAC in 2025 is $1,620/month ($2,700/month if blind)[2][6]. For SSI, income and resource limits are strict: adults can have up to $2,000 in countable resources, and income limits vary based on living situation[4]. Utah Medicaid has its own income and asset rules—check with the state for details.
Always report changes in your income, work, living situation, or health to Social Security and Utah Medicaid[4]. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you receive too much in benefits, contact the agency right away to arrange repayment or appeal—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Utah’s official agencies do not publish unique benefit guides for Huntington’s Disease. For local support, contact Utah Workforce Services and the Disability Law Center of Utah. They can help you apply, appeal, and connect to resources.
Utah offers Medicaid waivers (HCBS) that may pay for in-home care, respite, and other supports for people with Huntington’s Disease. These programs have limited slots—apply as soon as you can if you need extra help at home.
If your SSI or SSDI claim is denied, don’t give up. Appeals are common, and free help is available in Utah. The Disability Law Center of Utah is a good place to start.
For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,620 a month (2025) without losing benefits if you are not blind; for blind individuals, the limit is $2,700 a month. Earning more may pause or end your benefits—report all income changes immediately[2][6].
Yes, SSI lets you work, but your benefit amount will decrease based on your earnings. Social Security reduces your check by about half of what you earn. Some disability-related work expenses may not count against you—see our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.
Gather your medical records and work history, then apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. Be detailed about how Huntington’s Disease affects your daily life and ability to work[6].
DAC is for adults disabled before age 22 who have a parent receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You don’t need your own work history, but you must not earn above the SGA limit[3].
Utah Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, mental health, prescription drugs, and long-term supports. Ask about Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for extra in-home care. Income and resource limits apply[4].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $19,000 a year (2025) if no one contributes to your retirement, or $34,650 if your employer does not[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or benefits advice. For official decisions and personalized help, contact the agencies listed above.
Many people are denied at first—you have the right to appeal. Contact Utah Workforce Services, the Disability Law Center of Utah, or a legal aid group for help with your appeal.
Report any changes online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your local office. Keeping your information up to date helps avoid overpayments and benefit loss.
Yes, Utah Workforce Services offers vocational rehab and job support for people with disabilities. You may also qualify for Medicaid Work Incentives if you work and meet income rules[2][4].
SSI is for low-income people with disabilities who have not worked enough for SSDI. SSDI is for those who have paid into Social Security through work. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for details.
