How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Utah

Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.

Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.

If you live in Utah and you can’t work because you’re sick you can apply for Social Security disability benefits in Utah. There are two different types of disability benefits that you may qualify for. 

If your application for disability benefits in Utah is approved you can use the money that you receive to pay for any necessities like housing, food, or utilities. If you have worked in the past and paid into Social Security through your paychecks, you are eligible to apply for Social Security disability benefits. 

If you are unable to work now and you expect that you won’t be able to work for at least a year and you meet the Utah definition of disability you may be approved for disability benefits. 

The Definition Of Disability In Utah

The definition of disability in Utah is simple: you must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity because of an illness that you expect to last at least a year or result in death. 

Substantial gainful activity is paid work of any kind. So, if you can’t do any of the types of jobs that you’ve done in the past or work that you’ve been trained to do then you probably meet the definition of disability in Utah. 

And if you are approved for disability benefits in Utah you may also qualify for other types of benefits like housing assistance, SNAP food assistance, WIC, or medical insurance at a low cost. 

What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Utah?

Not all medical conditions will qualify someone to be approved for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration recognizes about 200 different physical and mental health conditions as disabling. If you have been diagnosed with one of those conditions, and you meet the SSA’s requirements for that condition, you may be approved for disability benefits. 

The conditions that qualify for Social Security disability benefits and the requirements for each condition are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. To find out if your medical condition is in the Blue Book you can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website. 

When you apply for disability benefits you will need to include a letter of diagnosis and your medical records to prove that you have that condition and that you meet all of the SSA’s requirements for that condition. If your condition isn’t listed in the Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits if you can prove you are too sick to work. 

You also need to be able to show that you have work credits to be approved for disability benefits in Utah. Work credits are based on the amount of money that you make and how many hours you work. The number of work credits you need varies, but in most cases, if you have worked for at least five of the last ten years you will qualify for disability benefits. 

Types of Disability Benefits Available in Utah

Disabled people in Utah who are too sick to work can apply for SSDI or SSI, both types of disability benefits are available in Utah. 

Utah Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If you have worked in the past you will need to apply for Social Security disability insurance. SSDI is the SSA’s benefit program for people who have earned work credits and paid into the Social Security system. The average monthly SSDI payment in Utah is $1,473.63.

Utah Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a disability program for people who have never been able to work, or for low-income parents that are struggling to take care of a disabled child. If you have been disabled since you were a child and you can’t work because of your disability you can apply for SSI on your 18th birthday. The money you receive from SSI can be used to pay for your living expenses.

If you have a child who has a disability and you have to stop working to take care of your child, you can apply for SSI on behalf of your child. You will have to submit financial documentation that shows your total household income is lower than the income cap set by the SSA. You will have to prove that your child has a disabling condition that is listed in the Blue Book.

You can use the money from SSI to pay for the child’s living and medical expenses. However, you will have to document how that money is spent and submit it to the SSA each month. 

State of Utah Disability Programs

Short-term disability benefits can help bridge the financial gap while you wait for your Social Security benefit application to be approved. You can get short-term disability benefits through your employer or the state of Utah. Once you sign up for short-term disability benefits and pay the premium you must wait 30 days for coverage to start. You also need to wait 7 days from the day you become disabled to start collecting benefits. 

Long-term disability coverage helps pay for living expenses in the long-term. You can receive both long-term disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits. But the amount of your SSDI may be reduced if you’re receiving both. The total of the two benefits can’t be more than your previous salary. 

Find A Disability Lawyer In Utah

It’s a very good idea to speak with a disability lawyer in Utah before you apply for Social Security disability benefits. The application process can be confusing, and many people find it difficult to apply. If the application isn’t filled out correctly or you don’t include enough medical evidence your application could be denied. Most first-time denials are due to small mistakes that could have been avoided by talking to a Utah disability attorney first. 

A disability lawyer in Utah can help you with tasks like:

  • Filling out the application paperwork and sending it in on time.
  • Helping you through the application process.
  • Helping you collect medical evidence and documentation.
  • Helping you meet deadlines.
  • Arguing your appeal.

You’ll be much more confident about your application when you have advice from a disability lawyer. 

Speaking with a Utah disability lawyer is totally free to you. You don’t have to pay anything upfront to speak with a lawyer about your disability claim. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Utah disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice. 

How Much Disability Can You Receive in Utah?

People who apply for Social Security disability benefits in Utah and are approved may receive up to $3,822 a month in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.

To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Utah Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application. 

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!