If you live in Utah and you have a disability that keeps you from working, you have a few options for obtaining disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two types of disability benefits, and for work-related injuries or illnesses, Utah's worker’s compensation program can provide long-term disability benefits. Unlike some other states, Utah does not offer short-term disability benefits to its residents.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security administers two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is available to those who have worked a certain numbers of years while paying Social Security taxes. SSI is available only to those with low income and resources.

Medical eligibility for SSDI and SSI is the same, and it depends on whether you can do a substantial amount of work, or what Social Security calls "substantial gainful activity" (SGA). Social Security usually counts earning $1,180 per month or more as being able to do SGA.

After your local Social Security office reviews your application for SSDI or SSI financial eligibility, Social Security sends it to Utah's Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS is a state agency that makes disability determinations for Social Security. DDS is administered by the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation.

A few months after you file your application, you should contact DDS if you have questions or want to know the status of your application. Below is the contact information for Utah's DDS.

DDS
210 West Harris Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
(801) 321-6500

Utah State Help for SSI Recipients

The State of Utah adds a small supplement to the federal monthly SSI payment for Utah residents. For individuals living in the household of another, Utah will pay a state supplement of $3.13; couples receive $9.73 per month. Social Security administers these payments, so SSI recipients do not need to apply for the supplement; their SSI check will include both payments.

Also, if you are approved for SSI in Utah, you will automatically qualify for Utah's Medicaid program.

Utah Workers' Compensation

As in most states, employers in Utah must provide worker’s compensation insurance for their employees. Workers who are disabled due to a work-related accident or illness may be entitled to long-term worker’s comp benefits. However, any permanent disability settlement you receive from workers' comp may lessen the amount of your SSDI or SSI payments.

Disability Advocacy Resources in Utah

Assistance and advocacy for Utahns with disabilities are available through:

Disability Law Center
205 North 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
801-363-1347
800-662-9080 (Toll Free)
801-924-3185 TTY

While the Disability Law Center will not represent you in getting disability benefits from Social Security, you can use our lawyer directory to arrange a consultation with a disability lawyer in Utah.