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Utah • Chronic Illness
If you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Utah, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs can help with medical care, income, and work support.
To get federal disability benefits for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, you must:
The SSA reviews your medical records, work history, and how your illness affects daily life. If approved, you may get monthly payments and access to Medicare or Medicaid.
In Utah, people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability rules. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services runs Medicaid programs for those who are aged, blind, or disabled. If you get SSI or Social Security Disability, you automatically meet the disability requirement for Medicaid. If not, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled.
Utah also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with care at home or in the community. These waivers may have waiting lists.
Get Medical Records: Ask your doctor for a full report of your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, including symptoms, treatments, and how it limits your daily life.
Check Eligibility: Review the SSA’s rules for disability. If you worked and paid Social Security taxes, you may qualify for SSDI. If you have low income and resources, you may qualify for SSI.
Apply for SSDI or SSI: You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. Fill out all forms and send your medical records.
Apply for Utah Medicaid: Apply online at medicaid.utah.gov or at your local Workforce Services office. If you get SSI or SSDI, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicaid.
Ask About Medicaid Waivers: If you need help at home or in the community, ask about Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS). These programs may have waiting lists.
Report Changes: Tell SSA and Medicaid about any changes in your health, income, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who paid Social Security taxes and became disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with low income and resources.
Medicare: Health insurance for those on SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health insurance for those with low income, including those with disabilities.
SNAP: Food benefits for those with low income.
SSA: Disability Programs (2025-11-06)
Medicaid: Overview (2025-11-06)
SNAP: Overview (2025-11-06)
Utah offers several programs for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis:
Utah Medicaid: Covers medical care for those with disabilities who meet income rules. Includes coverage for doctor visits, hospital care, and some home care.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help with home care, personal care, and other services for those who need support to live in the community. These programs may have waiting lists.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food benefits for those with low income. People with disabilities may qualify for higher benefits.
ABLE Accounts: Let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Utah Medicaid: Aged, Blind or Disabled (2025-11-06)
Utah Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) (2025-11-06)
Utah SNAP (2025-11-06)
Utah ABLE Accounts (2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year, or $34,650 if you work and your employer doesn’t contribute to a retirement account. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits. SSI has different income limits based on your living situation and other factors.
It’s important to report changes in your health, income, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Contact your local Workforce Services office or a disability advocate for help with your application. They can answer questions and help you fill out forms.
Yes, if your Myalgic Encephalomyelitis stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You’ll need medical proof and to meet SSA rules.
Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply online at SSA.gov or at your local SSA office. Apply for Medicaid at medicaid.utah.gov or your local Workforce Services office.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI benefits.
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives help you keep benefits while trying to work.
A Medicaid waiver helps people with disabilities get home care and other services. These programs may have waiting lists and require a separate application.
ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year, or $34,650 if you work and your employer doesn’t contribute to a retirement account.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You must report income changes to SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back.
Yes, people with disabilities may qualify for SNAP food benefits. Apply at your local Workforce Services office or online.
It can take several months to get a decision. The process may be faster if you have strong medical evidence and complete all forms.
You can appeal the decision. Ask for help from a disability advocate or attorney to improve your chances of approval.
