Provo is one of the largest cities in Utah. Only Salt Lake City and Ogden/Clearfield are larger. The actual city of Provo has a population of about 112,500. When the metropolitan area is included, the area’s population is over 526,000 permanent residents. The city’s population is boosted by the 34,000 students at Brigham Young University, one of the nation’s largest private colleges and the largest religiously-affiliated school.
Brigham Young University is the city’s largest employers, followed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Missionary Training Center. Other significant employers include Nu Skin Enterprises, the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, the local school district, Utah State Hospital, Ancestry.com, BRG Research Services, Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company, RBM Building Services and RB Davis and Company.
Provo has received a number of prestigious honors for its quality of living. Among these are top awards for community optimism, business and career opportunities, health and well-being, and volunteerism. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the country in recent decades. Provo is one of the country’s more educated cities, with over 35% of its population holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher compared to about 25% nationwide. Nearly 11% hold graduate level degrees.
The rates of disability are very low in Provo compared with the rest of the country. Of the 58,000 working age adults, fewer than 10% report living with a disability of any kind. Of these, nearly 62% are able to maintain gainful employment. This is partly due to the ready availability of sedentary jobs. The high level of education (often required for sedentary jobs) also factors in to the high percentage of Provo’s disabled persons who are able to continue working.
For those in Provo who are unable to work due to a disability, Social Security Disability programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income provide a lifeline by which they can continue to have an income and some level of independence. SSDI is an insurance program for those who have earned credit through working and contributing to FICA. SSI is a needs based program which is available to people who are completely disabled regardless of whether they have ever worked.
Applying for Social Security Disability programs involves proving that you are completely disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition of complete disability. Basically speaking, you must be able to demonstrate that you are completely unable to perform any kind of full time work which you are qualified for (or
could reasonably be expected to train for). The SSA will consider the types of work you have done before and your education level in determining whether you could reasonably be expected to perform any kind of work which is available.
Apply for Provo Social Security Disability Benefits
As you might imagine, the burden of proof to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits is quite high. Some have (correctly) noted that it is much harder to qualify for Social Security disability benefits than it is to qualify for disability programs through their employers. The reason for that is simple: most disability programs through employers only consider whether you could go back to work for that employer. The SSA considers whether you would be able to perform any kind of work for anyone.
If you are considering applying for SSD benefits, you should contact a Provo Social Security lawyer before proceeding any further. The earlier in the process that you involve a Provo disability attorney, the more likely you are to have your claim approved and to avoid a lengthy appeals battle. If you have already filed a claim and been denied, a Provo Social Security attorney can still help you, but it will take longer for your benefits to be approved (in most cases).
Whether you use a Provo Social Security Disability lawyer or not, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to inform them of your intent to file. The nearest Social Security Administration office is in Salt Lake City.
Social Security Administration
348 Winchester St. #100
Salt Lake City, UT
(866) 690-1947
Provo Social Security Disability Resources
If you are suffering with a disability in Provo, and are considering filing a claim for benefits, it is important that you continue (or begin) to receive medical care. Your medical records play a large part in whether your claim is accepted or denied. It will be important to show that you are still disabled despite having followed all of your doctor’s orders.
If you don’t have a doctor and/or can’t afford medical care, visit one of the following free or reduced cost medical centers:
Mountainlands Community Health Center
215 W 100 N
Provo, UT 84601-4433
(801) 429-2020
Mountainlands Community Health Center Main Sit Clinic
589 S State St.
Provo, UT 84606-5056
(801) 374-9660
Midvale Family Health Clinic, Inc.
7852 Pioneer St.
Midvale, UT 84047-7415
Your Provo Social Security Disability Claim
Going through the process of filing or Social Security Disability benefits can be difficult. The process usually takes several months. It’s important to make sure your claim is filed the right way, the first time. A Provo Social Security lawyer can help you immeasurably in that regard.
No matter what part of the claims or appeals process you are currently in, a Provo Social Security attorney can help. Contact a Provo Social Security lawyer for a consultation at no up-front cost to you.
