The Utah Department of Health approximates that one in every five adults in Utah has a disability. According to the CDC, this number is slightly below the national average of two in every five.
Still, these people are afflicted with mobility issues, cognitive impairment, challenges completing routine tasks, and other disabilities that make life more complicated.
Fortunately, several Utah Social Services programs provide financial and medical assistance to individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. These include federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is our main focus in this post. Read on to learn about Social Security local to Utah and how to qualify for the benefits.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in Utah
Since SSDI is a federal program, there are basic guidelines that a claimant must meet to qualify for benefits.
Generally, an applicant must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a specific period. You typically must have worked five out of the last ten years before you can qualify.
In addition, you must have a disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. A disability must be permanent, meaning you will not qualify for benefits if yours is a short-term or partial disability.
Remember, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a Blue Book containing a list of disabilities that are severe enough to affect your ability to work or lead to death.
It is almost impossible to qualify for benefits if your disability does not appear on the list. So, check the list to check whether your condition is covered before applying for disability benefits.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Utah?
You can apply for Social Security disability benefits in Utah online, in person, or by phone.
The Online application is the quickest and most convenient method. To apply online, you only need to create an account on the SSA website and fill out the necessary forms.
You can also apply by phone by calling the SSA at (800) 772-1213. A customer representative will speak with you and guide you through the application process.
Lastly, you can visit your local Utah Social Security office to apply. Utah has five SSA field offices, so find the nearest one from the list below and visit to complete the application.
Most field offices require you to have an appointment before visiting. So, call beforehand to ensure you are attended to promptly.
Before you apply for SSDI, remember to gather all the documentation and evidence you need to prove your eligibility.
The SSA requires you to have your Utah Social Security number to show that you are a legal resident and medical evidence that proves your disability.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in Utah?
When you apply for SSDI, your application will be forwarded to the Utah Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS is the state agency that makes all disability determinations in the state.
To establish your eligibility, a claims examiner at the DDS will review your application to ensure you meet the basic requirements. They will first check your medical records, and if not sufficient, you will undergo a consultative examination with an SSA-approved physician.
After this, the claims examiner will ask for input from vocational experts. These professionals recognize job responsibilities and limitations resulting from disabling conditions.
They will compare your medical records and work history to tell whether you can handle any work with your condition.
Once the claims examiner has collected all the needed information, they will decide whether or not you are disabled. If they find you medically disabled, your application will be approved. But you may have to wait at least five months before your first payment is released.
If you are found not disabled, your application will be denied. But you can file an appeal if you disagree with the decision.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in Utah
The Utah Social Security Administration approves 38% of claimants for benefits at the initial application stage. While this is higher than the national average, it still means most SSDI applications are denied at the initial stage.
If your application for SSDI is denied, you can file an appeal. The appeals process is complicated, and it is crucial to have a local Social Security disability lawyer to help you navigate it.
The first stage of the appeals process is to request a reconsideration of your claim. The DDS will authorize a new claims examiner to review your case and check for any errors made during the initial determination.
In case of a denial at the reconsideration, you can request a disability hearing before an Administrative law judge. Hearings are usually held in person, so you will receive a mail informing you about the location, date, and time.
If your claim is denied at the hearing, you can request the Appeals Council to review it.
If the Appeals Council denies your request, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. This is your last option, and the decisions made here are final.
Utah SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Utah is in Region 8, with its headquarters in Denver. There is only one official hearing office that serves all cities in Utah.
Despite not having enough hearing offices, it takes only eight months to have a disability hearing in Utah. This is significantly lower than the national average of 10 months.
There is no difference in the average approval rate at the hearing level. Utah approves 51% of applicants for benefits at the hearing, which is the same as the national average.
However, your chances of approval depend on whether you have a lawyer at the hearing. A study by Government Accountability Office established that a claimant with a legal representative has a 73% chance of being approved for benefits.
How Do I Contact the Utah Social Security Office Near Me?
Utah has five Social Security Field offices assisting residents with their SSDI needs.
Depending on where you stay, contact one of the offices near you from the list below for help filing your disability, check your application status, or other queries regarding the SSD process.
SSA Field Office |
Physical Address |
Phone Number |
| Salt Lake City SSA Office | 175 East 400 South Suite 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 |
(866) 851-5275 |
| Ogden SSA Office | 324 25Th Street 2nd Floor Fob Ogden, UT 84401 |
(877) 378-9081 |
| Provo SSA Office | 88 West 100 North J. Will Robinson Fob Provo, UT 84601 |
(866) 366-9549 |
| St George SSA Office | 1091 North Bluff St Suite 1100 Saint George, UT 84770 |
(866) 446-7085 |
| South Jordan SSA Office | 10138 S Jordan Gtwy South Jordan, UT 84095 |
(866) 690-1947 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in Utah
The SSDI application process is complex and time-consuming. An experienced Utah Social Security disability attorney can help you during the application and appeals process.
An experienced local attorney can also represent you before the judge at your hearing. Through this, your chances of getting the benefits you need will increase.
Contact a Utah Social Security disability lawyer today to help with your case. We offer free consultation, and you won’t have to pay until we win your case.
