Utah SSDI and SSI Benefits

If you live in Utah and you're unable to work full-time for at least twelve months, you have a few options for obtaining disability benefits. At the federal level, Social Security administers two long-term disability programs, and at the state level, Utah's worker's compensation program can provide wage replacement for work-related injuries or illnesses. Unlike some other states, Utah doesn't offer short-term disability benefits to its residents.

What Social Security Disability Benefits Are Available in Utah?

Social Security provides two kinds of disability benefits—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is available to people who have worked for a certain number of years and paid into the program through payroll taxes, while SSI is needs-based and available only to those with low income and resources. Some applicants may qualify for both programs.

Medical eligibility is the same for both programs. You'll need to show that you have a severe impairment that keeps you from working full-time for at least one year. Social Security defines "full-time work" as the ability to earn at the level of substantial gainful activity, or SGA. In 2024, that means earning $1,550 per month. Additionally, you'll need to provide medical records establishing that you meet the agency's definition of disability. This involves meeting a listed impairment or showing that your functional limitations rule out all jobs.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability in Utah

You have several methods you can use to begin your application for disability benefits:

• File online at Social Security's web portal. You can complete your entire application for SSDI benefits online, but if you're applying for SSI, a representative will contact you to finish the application in-person or over the phone.
• Call 800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak with a representative. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the TTY number at 800-325-0778.
• Make an appointment at your local Social Security field office.

Utah has five Social Security field offices. You can find the contact information for the office closest to you below.

Ogden
Suite 2403
324 25th Street
Ogden, UT 84401

Telephone: 877-378-9081
Fax: 833-912-2336

Provo
88 West 100 North
Provo, UT 84601

Telephone: 866-366-9549
Fax: 833-912-2338

Salt Lake City
Suite 500
175 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Telephone: 866-851-5275
Fax: 833-912-2334

South Jordan
10138 S. Jordan Gtwy
South Jordan, UT 84095

Telephone: 866-690-1947
Fax: 833-950-2908

St. George
Suite 1100
1091 North Bluff St.
St. George, UT 84770

Telephone: 866-446-7085
Fax: 833-950-2894

All offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Utah Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS)

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

You should contact DDS if you have questions or want to know the status of your application. You can email DDS at [email protected].

Claims examiners at the Utah DDS review disability applications at the initial and reconsideration levels. For fiscal year 2023, 44% of Utah applicants were approved at the initial level, slightly above the national average. If your application was initially denied, you have 60 days to appeal by "requesting reconsideration." At the reconsideration level, another claims examiner reviews your file to determine whether the initial decision was incorrect.

Fewer people are approved at reconsideration (in Utah, only about 11% in 2023). But you still have a chance to appeal a second denial by asking for a hearing with an administrative law judge. At this stage, DDS hands your file off to the Social Security Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) to schedule and hold your disability hearing.

Utah Social Security Disability Appeals Hearings

Following a reconsideration denial, you have 60 days to submit a request for a hearing with an administrative law judge. As of 2024, the average wait time for a hearing to be scheduled in Utah is 8 months. During that time, you (or your representative, if you have one) should continue obtaining medical records and sending them to Social Security.

Utah has one hearing office, in Salt Lake City. If your hearing is scheduled to be in-person, you'll need to be physically present at the OHO at the date and time printed on your hearing notice. Contact information for the office is below.

SSA OHO
Suite 3102
125 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84138

Telephone: 877-628-6579
Fax: 833-748-0029
eFile Fax: 877-486-2941

Judges at the Salt Lake City office approve about 50% of cases they hear (current as of April 2024), meaning you have your best chances of being awarded SSDI or SSI at the hearing level. If you receive an unfavorable decision after your hearing, you have 60 days to request a review by the Appeals Council.

SSI and Medicaid Benefits in Utah

Because SSI is a needs-based benefit, if you're approved for SSI in Utah, you'll automatically qualify for Medicaid as well. Furthermore, the state of Utah adds a small supplement to the federal monthly SSI payment ($943 per month in 2024). Your award letter should break down the exact amount that you'll receive each month.

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.

Additional Resources for Disabled Utahns

Utahns who are seeking legal help to assist them in the disability determination process (or help protect their rights at work) may wish to contact the non-profit Disability Law Center. Part of the Protection and Advocacy system that was established through an act of Congress in the 1970s, the Disability Law Center is the organization that safeguards the rights of disabled people in Utah. You can find their contact information below.

Disability Law Center
960 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

Telephone: 801-363-1347 or 800-662-9080
TTY: 801-924-3185

If you're not sure whether you want legal help, keep in mind that most disability attorneys offer free consultations where you can get a quick overview of the strengths and weaknesses of your case. And because disability lawyers are required to work on contingency, you're unlikely to pay anything out-of-pocket. Asking your potential representative the right questions can help you feel comfortable finding an attorney who is a good fit for you.