Short Stature Benefits in Utah: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working full time. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low, and you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people (or $2,700 if blind). Earning above this limit may affect your benefits, but work incentives can help you keep them while you try to work[1][2][4].

In Utah, people with short stature may qualify for Medicaid if they meet the state’s disability definition. This can include receiving SSI or Social Security Disability benefits. If you do not get SSI or SSA disability, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled. Utah’s Medicaid programs cover medical care, long-term services, and supports for disabled adults and children. The state also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with short stature live independently[3][5].

• Check if you meet federal disability rules.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at a local Social Security office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through Medicaid.gov or Utah’s Medicaid portal.
• Report any changes in income or health right away.

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s disability criteria. Short stature may qualify if it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Collect medical records that show your diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You can also apply for Medicaid through Medicaid.gov or Utah’s Medicaid portal.
• Step 4: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Utah’s Disability Law Center can help with appeals.
• Step 5: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Explore work incentives and Medicaid waivers to help you work and stay healthy[1][2][3][4][5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low income and resources.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help you keep benefits while you work[1][4][5].

• Utah Medicaid: Covers medical care, long-term services, and supports for disabled adults and children.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions.
• Medicaid Work Incentive (MWI): Lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have income below 250% of the federal poverty level.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• State Disability Determination Services: Reviews medical evidence for disability claims[3][5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In Utah, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year (or $34,650 if your employer doesn’t contribute to your retirement). These accounts can pay for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation[5].

• SSI: Must have less than $2,000 in countable resources.
• Medicaid: Must have SSI-countable income below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and less than $2,000 in countable resources. With the Medicaid Work Incentive, you can have income up to 250% of FPL and up to $15,000 in countable savings[5].
• SSDI: No resource limit, but earnings above SGA ($1,620/month in 2025) may affect benefits[2][4].

You must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes right away helps you avoid problems. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes[5].

• Utah Department of Workforce Services
  Phone: 801-526-9300

  Website

  For SSDI/SSI and vocational rehabilitation.
• Utah Medicaid
  Phone: 800-662-9651

  Website

  For Medicaid eligibility and applications.
• Disability Law Center, Utah
  Phone: 801-363-1347

  TTY: 711

  Email: info@disabilitylawcenter.org

  Website

  Legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities.

• Can short stature qualify for disability benefits in Utah?

  Yes, if short stature limits your ability to work, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical evidence showing how it affects your daily life and work. Utah’s Medicaid programs also cover people with disabilities, including short stature[3][4].

• What is the SGA limit for 2025 in Utah?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. Earning above this limit may affect your disability benefits, but work incentives can help you keep them while you work[2][4].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Utah with short stature?

  You can apply for Medicaid online at Medicaid.gov or through Utah’s Medicaid portal. If you get SSI or Social Security Disability, you automatically qualify. If not, the State Medicaid Medical Review Board can decide if you are disabled[3].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Utah?

  Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Utah’s Medicaid Work Incentive lets you keep Medicaid if you work and have income below 250% of the federal poverty level[5].

• What are ABLE accounts and how do they help in Utah?

  ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In Utah, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year. These accounts can pay for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation[5].

• What happens if my income changes while on disability?

  You must report changes in income to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes right away helps you avoid problems[5].