SSDI Benefits in Michigan

SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is a benefit program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It's designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term disability. It's important to note that this disability must be one that's expected to last for at least 12 months or end in death.

About the Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA is the federal organization tasked with managing social security programs, which includes SSDI. One of its primary roles is determining who qualifies for disability benefits based on strict criteria. The SSA reviews applications, evaluates medical evidence, and makes determinations regarding an applicant's disability status.

The SSA maintains records of your earnings throughout your working career. These records are used to determine your eligibility and benefits for SSDI.

How to Qualify for SSDI

To be eligible for SSDI in Michigan, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements fall into two categories: medical and work credit requirements.

The medical requirement is met if you have a severe, long-term, total disability. The SSA defines disability as a condition that significantly limits your ability to perform your job duties. The condition must be expected to last at least a year or result in death.

Work credits are another part of the eligibility requirements. Work credits are earned when you work and pay taxes into the Social Security fund. The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Your disability must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a detailed 5-step process to evaluate whether SSDI applicants have a qualifying disability.

1. Work Status Evaluation

The SSA will examine the work status of an applicant. If an applicant is not employed, the SSA sends the application to Michigan's Disability Determination Services (DDS) for a more comprehensive evaluation.

2. Severity of Condition

The DDS then scrutinizes whether the applicant's medical condition significantly prevents them from performing basic work-related activities such as lifting, standing, walking, and sitting.

3. Comparison to Listed Conditions

The DDS checks if the applicant's condition is listed in the SSA's “Blue Book” catalog of severe medical conditions. Expedited processing for certain claims is possible through the SSA's Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determinations initiatives.

4. Ability to Perform Past Work

The DDS considers whether the applicant can perform any of their previous work. If an applicant is incapable of performing the work, the evaluation proceeds to the final step.

5. Ability to Perform Other Work

The final step is an evaluation of whether the applicant can do any other type of work considering their medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and transferable skills. If the DDS determines that the applicant can't do other work, they qualify for disability benefits.

This eligibility process helps the SSA make informed and fair decisions.

How to Apply for SSDI in Michigan

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Michigan can be done in three ways: online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Online is the most convenient way to apply for benefits. However, if you prefer to apply by phone, you can call the SSA's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. In-person applications can be submitted at your local Social Security office.

Apply for SSDI Benefits Online: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Apply By Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Information Needed to Apply for SSDI in Michigan

When applying for SSDI, you need to provide several pieces of information. The following documents are required for your application:

• Your Social Security number.
• Your birth certificate.
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that treated you
• Names and dosage of medications you take.
• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers.
• Laboratory results.
• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did.
• Your most recent W-2 form or, if you were self-employed, a copy of your federal tax return.

Having this information at hand when you apply will help speed up the process.

What Is a Disability Advocate?

A disability advocate is a professional who assists individuals in obtaining disability benefits. In Michigan, disability advocates can help with SSDI applications and appeals.

The advocate's role involves helping you navigate the complex SSDI system. They can ensure your application is complete and meets the SSA's requirements. They can also assist in collecting medical evidence, which can often be difficult to manage on your own.

If your initial application is denied, a disability advocate can also help you with the appeals process. They can represent you at disability hearings and argue your case in front of an administrative law judge.

In Michigan, several organizations provide disability advocacy services. Just make sure they are fully accredited by the SSA.

SSI Program in Michigan

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in Michigan is a federal program managed by the SSA. It provides financial aid to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources.

Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSI is not based on your work history. Instead, it's a need-based program, and eligibility is determined by financial need. This is the key difference between SSI and SSDI: While SSDI is earned by accumulating enough work credits, SSI is available to those who meet the income and resource restrictions.

To qualify for SSI in Michigan, you must belong to one of the following groups:

• Adults aged 65 and above
• People who are blind
• People who are unable to work because of a disability

To apply for SSI in Michigan, you can apply online, by phone, or in person. Be prepared to provide detailed financial and medical information.

Apply for SSI Benefits Online: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html

Apply By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213

Be prepared to provide detailed information about your income, financial resources, living arrangements, and medical condition. In some circumstances, you may be required to apply for SSI in person.

Michigan - Social Security Disability Office Locations