What are the financial eligibility rules for SSDI in Utah?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 05/28/2025
If you're applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Utah, it's essential to understand the financial criteria that determine your eligibility. SSDI is designed to support individuals who have a qualifying disability and have contributed to the Social Security system through prior work.
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1. Work History and Social Security Credits
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned a sufficient number of Social Security work credits. These credits are accumulated based on your annual income from work:
- Earning Credits: In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 of wages or self-employment income, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
- Required Credits: The number of credits needed varies by age:
- Under 24: Generally, six credits earned in the three years before your disability.
- Ages 24–30: Credits for half the time between age 21 and the onset of disability.
- Age 31 and older: At least 20 credits earned in the 10 years immediately before becoming disabled.
2. Income Limits and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
While SSDI doesn't impose limits on unearned income or assets, there are strict guidelines regarding earned income:
- SGA Threshold: In 2025, if you earn more than $1,620 per month from work ($2,700 if you're blind), the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers this substantial gainful activity, which may disqualify you from receiving SSDI benefits.
- Unearned Income: Income such as investments, interest, or a spouse's earnings doesn't affect SSDI eligibility.
3. Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
SSDI provides programs to encourage beneficiaries to attempt returning to work:
- Trial Work Period: You can work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month period, earning any amount, without losing benefits. In 2025, any month you earn over $1,160 counts as a trial work month.
- Extended Period of Eligibility: After completing the TWP, you enter a 36-month period where you can still receive benefits for any month your earnings are below the SGA threshold.
4. Benefit Amounts
Your monthly SSDI benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings:
- Average Benefit: In Utah, the average SSDI payment is approximately $1,351.22 per month.
- Maximum Benefit: The maximum monthly SSDI benefit for 2024 is $3,822.
5. Tax Considerations
Depending on your total income, a portion of your SSDI benefits may be taxable:
- Single Filers: If your total income exceeds $25,000, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable.
- Married Filing Jointly: If combined income exceeds $32,000, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating the SSDI application process can be complex. At Hogan Smith, we specialize in helping Utah residents:
- Evaluate Eligibility: Assess your work history and income to determine SSDI qualification.
- Application Assistance: Guide you through the application process, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
- Appeals Representation: If your application is denied, we can represent you in the appeals process to advocate for your benefits.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you're considering applying for SSDI in Utah or have questions about your eligibility, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your options and work towards securing the benefits you deserve.
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