Michigan Disability Benefits

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Michigan residents with disabilities have a number of resources to receive financial assistance, including federal and state programs. At the federal level, the Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

These disability services are run through Michigan Disability Determination Services (DDS) which processes all SSA disability claims and determines what benefits are awarded.

Michigan disability services also extend to state programs like their State Disability Assistance (SDA), unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and Medicaid (a joint federal and state program). Michigan currently does not provide state short-term disability benefits, but you may qualify for coverage through private insurance companies or your employer.

Facts About Michigan

Nearly one in three Michigan residents has some kind of disability. 14% of Michiganders have cognitive or developmental disabilities, and 13% have a physical disability. Disabled individuals in Michigan also have a higher likelihood of obesity, smoking, or suffering from diabetes or heart disease.

Only 4.8% of residents currently receive Social Security disability benefits, leaving a large portion of the disabled population without financial assistance.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Michigan

The criteria for receiving Social Security Disability are the same in all states since it is a federally funded program. The two main criteria to meet are connected to the severity of your documented disability and whether you’ve worked long enough to pay into the Social Security system.

The SSA has compiled a comprehensive list of disabilities that it considers “severe” enough to earn disability insurance. Please consult this list before submitting your disability claim to ensure your condition is on it. Your condition must limit your ability to work for at least 12 months to qualify.

You will also have to show an adequate work history, meaning you have paid enough in taxes to qualify to receive assistance. The minimum amount of time that an individual must work is typically 10 years. Note that this can vary depending on your age and disability.

If you are currently working in some capacity, you are protected under federal law from disability discrimination. Your employer must provide any reasonable accommodation for your medical condition to help you complete your job duties.

Even if you meet SSA requirements, your claim still may be denied. Since determination is made at the state level, it’s up to the Michigan Department of DDS to review your application. In the state of Michigan, roughly 65% of all first-time applications are denied. However, if you receive a denial, you can start the appeals process to pursue your benefits.

How To Apply for SSDI in Michigan

There are three ways to apply for SSD benefits— in person, online, or over the phone. Applications for SSDI in Michigan are made to your local Social Security field office. Michigan has 45 offices throughout the state.

Applying online at the federal Social Security website is the fastest way for an applicant to submit their claim, or you can also call (800) 772-1213 to speak with a representative who can walk you through the process. If you wish to apply in person, you’ll need to schedule an appointment first.

Before you apply, take the time to compile the appropriate documentation and medical evidence to support your claim. In general, you should have the following:

• Personal information: Full names and DOBs for you, your spouse, and any minor children. They may also ask for your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical record, or marriage or divorce documentation.
• Medical records associated with your disability. This includes contact information for doctors, clinics, or existing services and should cover any physical, intellectual, or mental illness.
• Past and current employment information

How To Appeal a Denial in Michigan

Approximately 65% of applicants are denied on their initial application. Don’t lose hope if this happens to you. Most people submit at least one appeal before their case is approved.

There are 4 stages of the appeals process. Each level of the appeals process must be submitted within 60 days of the previous denial, and you must go through each stage before moving on to the next.

Step 1: Reconsideration – The first step is to request to have a different SSA representative review your disability case to see if an error was made. This is the fastest and easiest level of the appeals process and you don’t need to provide any additional documentation. In Michigan, 30% of applications are approved at this level.

Step 2: Disability Adjudication – If your reconsideration was denied, you may request a formal hearing with an administrative law judge. You’ll likely be asked to bring additional documentation or witnesses who can support your case, and many people choose to hire a disability attorney. Unfortunately, it can take over a year to get a hearing date at one of seven Hearing and Appeal Offices in the state.

Step 3: Appeal Council – In the third level of appeals, you’ll request to have an Appeals Council review the previous decisions. At this stage, most people will hire an attorney versed in disability law.

Step 4: District Court – At this highest level of appeals you will request that a federal district court review the Appeals Court decision. There are two federal district courts in Michigan, one in Detroit and one in Grand Rapids.

More Michigan Benefits

SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another Social Security benefit like SSDI. SSI benefits are intended for those with very low income who are disabled, blind, or over 65 years old. When you apply for SSDI, the DDS will evaluate your application to see if you also qualify for SSI benefits.

Michigan SDA

Michigan provides State Disability Assistance (SDA) run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This program provides cash assistance to disabled residents (or in some cases those 65+ without a disability) or to a caretaker of a disabled person.

Those seeking SDA benefits can apply online using MI Bridges, or you can get personalized help by contacting your local county office. Beneficiaries will receive aid via a Bridge card which can be used like a debit card to withdraw cash or pay for items like groceries.

If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you automatically qualify for SDA. You can also qualify if you are living in a “qualified Special Living Arrangement facility,” like housing for aged, infirmed, or disabled adults. You can also receive SDA benefits if you’re in an independent living situation receiving help from a caretaker.

Michigan Medicaid

Michigan Medicaid offers health insurance and other health-related services to individuals earning less than $17,131 a year. Most people who qualify for SSI will also qualify for Medicaid. Recipients of Medicaid typically have to pay a very low co-pay for services that average $2 to $3 per service.

Michigan Unemployment

Those who need temporary financial assistance due to a loss of employment through no fault of their own can apply for Michigan unemployment benefits, managed by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This is a weekly cash benefit of up to $362. The fastest and easiest way to submit an unemployment claim is online through the state’s Michigan Web Account Manager (MIWAM).

Michigan Social Security Offices

SSA Field Office Locations in Michigan
Ludington SSA Office	150 N Jebavy Dr Ludington, MI 49431	(866) 495-0075
West Branch SSA Office	2938 Hansen Rd West Branch, MI 48661	(877) 897-0602
Detroit-D/T SSA Office	477 Michigan Ave McNamara Bldg Rm 450 Detroit, MI 48226	(888) 748-7691
Marquette SSA Office	300 S Front St 1St Floor, Ste 1 Marquette, MI 49855	(855) 782-9154
Grand Rapids SSA Office	3045 Knapp St Ne Grand Rapids, MI 49525	(877) 319-5710
Saginaw SSA Office	611 E. Genesee Ave. Saginaw, MI 48607	(877) 405-5868
Flint-Downtown	1149 Robert T Longway Flint, MI 48503	(888) 318-7282
Pontiac SSA Office	1280 Pontiac Rd Pontiac, MI 48340	(866) 299-3777
Jackson SSA Office	234 W Louis Glick Hwy Ste 200 Jackson, MI 49201	(877) 405-0473
Traverse City SSA Office	1329 S Division St Traverse City, MI 49684	(866) 739-4802
Kalamazoo SSA Office	317 South Drake Road Kalamazoo, MI 49009	(866) 331-9088
Lansing SSA Office	5210 Perry Robinson Lansing, MI 48911	(877) 512-5944
Escanaba SSA Office	1013 1St Ave North Escanaba, MI 49829	(877) 545-5503
Bay City SSA Office	1115 Washington Ave Bay City, MI 48708	(866) 366-4924
Detroit-East SSA Office	19251 Mack Ave Suite 200 Detroit, MI 48236	(877) 845-0540
Detroit-High Pk	60 East Grand Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203	(877) 512-5945
Battle Creek SSA Office	5700 Beckley Rd Ste D1 Battle Creek, MI 49015	(877) 445-0829
Muskegon SSA Office	340 Morris Avenue Muskegon, MI 49440	(866) 763-2632
Dearborn SSA Office	19853 Outer Drive Suite 200 Dearborn, MI 48124	(877) 714-0392
Fort Gratiot SSA Office	2620 Krafft Rd Fort Gratiot, MI 48059	(877) 895-0042
Detroit-NW SSA Office	26840 W Seven Mile Rd Redford, MI 48240	(888) 329-5729
Roseville SSA Office	15250 E 12 Mile Rd Roseville, MI 48066	(877) 833-2541
Bent Har-St Joe	455 Bond St Benton Harbor, MI 49022	(877) 405-5457
Ann Arbor SSA Office	3971 Research Park Dr Suite A Ann Arbor, MI 48108	(877) 402-0825
Mount Pleasant SSA Office	1940 Sweeney St Mt Pleasant, MI 48858	(877) 405-7667
Petoskey SSA Office	308 State St Suite 8 Petoskey, MI 49770	(866) 574-2588
Monroe SSA Office	1300 S Telegraph Rd Monroe, MI 48161	(877) 274-5416
Alpena SSA Office	111 N 4th Ave Alpena, MI 49707	(877) 452-4195
Grand River SSA Office	9222 Grand River Ave Detroit, MI 48204	(866) 405-0043
Detroit 7 Mile SSA Office	10201 W Seven Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48221	(866) 365-6741
Detroit Conner SSA Office	3400 Conner St Detroit, MI 48215	(877) 405-7824
Clawson SSA Office	140 North Crooks Clawson, MI 48017	(888) 456-9559
Sault St Marie SSA Office	2861 Ashmun St Ste 1 Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783	(855) 285-6007
Wyandotte SSA Office	3450 Biddle Ave Wyandotte, MI 48192	(866) 964-7407
Holland SSA Office	657 Hastings Ave Holland, MI 49423	(877) 223-6062
Adrian SSA Office	1040 S Winter St Suite 2401 Adrian, MI 49221	(877) 512-5943
Owosso SSA Office	306 North Gould Street Owosso, MI 48867	(855) 628-1592
Farmington SSA Office	27650 Farmington Rd Farmington Hills, MI 48334	(866) 331-2210
Inkster SSA Office	28657 Cherry Hill Rd Inkster, MI 48141	(866) 704-4860
Chesterfield SSA Office	26200 21 Mile Road Chesterfield, MI 48051	(866) 635-0788
Detroit-SW SSA Office	5715 Michigan Ave Detroit, MI 48210	(877) 319-0730
Big Rapids SSA Office	502 N State St Ste A Big Rapids, MI 49307	(855) 245-0641
Livonia SSA Office	34010 Plymouth Road Livonia, MI 48150	(866) 964-7371
Sterling Heights	7385 Triangle Drive Sterling Heights, MI 48314	(888) 619-4768
North Flint SSA Office	2021 W. Carpenter Rd Flint, MI 48505	(877) 748-9766

Michigan Hearing and Appeal Offices

Michigan is in Region 5 (Chicago), which services Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Region 5 – SSA Office of Hearing Operations in Michigan
SSA Hearing Office – Detroit	477 Michigan Avenue, Rm 900 Patrick V. McNamara Fed Bldg Detroit, MI 48226	(888) 748-7696
SSA Hearing Office – Flint	300 West Second Street Flint, MI 48502-2047	(877) 607-9526
SSA Hearing Office – Grand Rapids	1925 Breton Road SE Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49506	(866) 613-2860
SSA Hearing Office – Lansing	4202 Collins Road Suite 200 Lansing, MI 48910	(877) 691-6144
SSA Hearing Office – Livonia	19575 Victor Parkway 3rd Floor Livonia, MI 48152	(866) 530-7806
SSA Hearing Office – Mount Pleasant	4035 Sweeney Road Mount Pleasant, MI 48858	(866) 873-6604
SSA Hearing Office – Oak Park	25900 Gree field Road Crown Pointe Bldg Suite 500 Oak Park, MI 48237-1267	(877) 223-6060