People with Muscular Dystrophy in Utah may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind. Earning above these amounts may affect your benefits[1][2][4][6].
Children with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security or if they have a qualifying disability that began before age 22[4]. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if their parent is deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits[4].
In Utah, individuals with Muscular Dystrophy who receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits automatically meet the disability criteria for Medicaid. If you do not receive these benefits, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can make a disability determination. Utah’s Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI) allows you to keep Medicaid if you work and have SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level and less than $15,000 in countable savings or property. You pay a monthly sliding-scale premium based on your income[3][5].
Utah also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide additional supports for people with Muscular Dystrophy[3].
ABLE accounts let people with Muscular Dystrophy save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year, or $34,650 if your employer does not contribute to your retirement account. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses[5].
For SSI in 2025, you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. For Utah Medicaid, you need SSI-countable income below 100% of the federal poverty level and less than $2,000 in countable resources. With the Medicaid Work Incentive, you can have up to $15,000 in countable savings or property and SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level[5].
It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan[5].
Contact the Disability Law Center Utah or your local Social Security office for free help with applications and questions about benefits.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind. Earning above these amounts may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits[2][4][6].
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits in Utah. The SGA limit allows you to earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) without losing benefits. The Medicaid Work Incentive lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level[5][2].
If you receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits, you automatically qualify for Utah Medicaid. If not, you can apply through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services or your local Workforce Services office. The State Medicaid Medical Review Board can make a disability determination if needed[3].
Medicaid waivers in Utah provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Muscular Dystrophy. These waivers can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports[3].
Yes, children with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their parent receives Social Security or if they have a qualifying disability that began before age 22. Children may also qualify for Medicaid[4][3].
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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An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year, or $34,650 if your employer does not contribute to your retirement account. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses[5].
You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person[5].
If you earn above the SGA limit, your SSDI or SSI benefits may be suspended or terminated. However, you may be able to restart benefits if your earnings drop below the limit and you still have a disability[2][4].
Yes, you may qualify for both SSI and SSDI if your SSDI payment is low and you meet the SSI income and resource limits. SSI can supplement your SSDI payment[5].
The Medicaid Work Incentive allows you to keep Medicaid if you work and have SSI-countable income below 250% of the federal poverty level and less than $15,000 in countable savings or property. You pay a monthly sliding-scale premium based on your income[5].
