Apply for Disability Benefits in Michigan

Eligibility for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be possible if you cannot work. It could be because of a physical or mental condition. Two programs provide disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough under the rules of Social Security with the required work credits. In addition, to be eligible for SSI, you must have a limited income and resources. Finally, if you are found to be disabled, you should receive benefits; but the process may not be as straightforward as you might prefer.

As you’re faced with this process, here’s a quick overview of what you should know, what you need to do, and how you can get help if you need some hands-on assistance with the SSDI process in Michigan. The SSDI approval process is not something you have to navigate alone. Take advantage of the resources that will help ensure an expedited process and a better chance of approval. Now, let’s dive into the process.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is probably something that you at least know something about. It is a federal insurance program that provides income to you if you cannot work because of a disability. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. You need to prove that you have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. With the appropriate length of recent work, you will have paid Social Security taxes on your income.

The process can be complicated with several factors that you should take into account. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that assist people with disabilities. The focus is on delivering benefits to individuals with a disability or who meet other salient criteria for eligibility under the programs.

It’s not designed to be an easy process to go through, although you may find it more streamlined if you have a lawyer or advocate to help you with the application and all the rest of the paperwork. The disability programs also vary depending on which state you’re in and what your current medical condition, work status, and disability qualifications might be.

You’ll need to be ready to provide all the medical paperwork and other details upon request to confirm whether you’re eligible for disability benefits. Even if you have everything that’s required to prove that you’re eligible, you still may not be approved for disability benefits. So, take a look at what you need to know as you apply for benefits in Michigan.

How does SSDI work in Michigan?

Some 14% of Michiganders have a cognitive or developmental disability, and 13% have a physical disability. However, only 4.8% of residents currently receive Social Security disability benefits, leaving many of the disabled population without financial help. Here’s a quick breakdown.

  • Resident Population: 6,162,828
  • Percentage of Population on SSI: 2.8%
  • Percentage of Population on SSDI: 6.3%
  • Average Monthly SSI Payment: $536.72
  • Average Monthly SSDI Payment: $1,145.61

Applying for SSDI is a complex and time-consuming process, but understanding the basics and preparing ahead of time can make the process simpler. As you move forward with applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you should know a few things.

  • First, your job must be one that is covered by Social Security. Your condition must also be covered by what is considered a “disability.”
  • Second, you will need to provide medical documentation of your condition.

Even when the process may seem fairly straightforward, it takes time for the SSDI to process all your paperwork and ensure you’re eligible for disability benefits.

How Do You Qualify for SSDI in Michigan?

To qualify for SSDI in Michigan, you must have worked enough years to earn sufficient credits (or royalties) and a qualifying disability. You must have a severe, long-term disability that prevents you from working or adjusting to different work types.

You may be eligible, for example, if you’re disabled, blind, or 65+ years of age to qualify for SSDI in Michigan. To be immediately qualified for SSDI, you prove that your condition will probably last for at least a year and/or that it will cause death.

You should also consider the work requirement. You may have to meet the requirement of having worked five out of 10 years immediately preceding their disability to qualify. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer years of work. Besides meeting the work history, you must have limited resources, a limited income, and be a US citizen.

To qualify from an income point of view, you must be able to prove what you earn for wages or royalties, as well as unearned income from state disability payments, Social Security benefits, and unemployment benefits. The SSDI can also count the income from a parent or spouse you may live with, and they can include in-kind income like shelter or food that’s discounted or provided for free.

Beyond income, the SSDI looks at resources like vehicles, investments, land, personal property, and even life insurance and cash. It’s not always simple to gather all the paperwork for your SSDI application, but it’s crucial to prove the resources you currently have at your disposal. The Flint Office has a 56% approval rate in Michigan.

How Do You Apply for SSDI in Michigan?

The next step is to complete the application, which can be done online, by phone, or in person.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits in Michigan is relatively easy. You can start the process online, or you apply over the phone. In some cases, you might prefer to apply in person at your local Social Security office. Find the office closest to your current location by searching for the closest site. It’s quick and convenient to apply online. Here’s how you complete the process.

  • To apply for SSDI in Michigan online, you must create a Social Security account. Then, with the account set up, you can complete an application for disability benefits.
  • If you prefer to apply over the phone, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
  • You can mail your applications and documents to the SSA, which can delay the process. You should not write any notes or details on the original documents. To sync up the records, you can include your social security number on a piece of paper with your submission of documents and paperwork.

You also can apply for benefits in person, but you should check the location and office hours, so you know you’ll have enough time to complete the process within the hours of operation. Regardless of your chosen application method, you’ll need to answer some questions about your medical condition and work when you call.

You’ll need to have your paperwork easily accessible and ready to use, including the following details and documents.

  • Date and place of birth.
  • Marriage and divorce dates.
  • Names and birth dates for unmarried children under 18, as well as whether they’re in school full time or became disabled before the age of 22.
  • Details about your prior military duty, if applicable.
  • Employer or self-employment details (current plus two years prior).
  • Information on the work you did over the 15 years before your disability.
  • Date when your medical condition first impacted your ability to work and how your work was directly impacted.
  • List of your medical conditions.
  • Records of medical examinations, tests, treatments, and medications.
  • Records about workers’ compensation, vocational rehabilitation services, public welfare, or prison/jail.
  • Records regarding job training, trade, vocational, or college education.

Even after you’ve completed the application, you still need to provide your eligibility proof by offering the following documents:

  • Your birth certificate (or proof of birth)
  • Discharge papers from the military before 1968.
  • Proof of US citizenship.
  • Medical records and evidence of your disability.
  • Tax forms for the previous year.
  • Proof of workers’ compensation benefits.

When you’re sure you’re eligible and have gathered all the paperwork, you should be ready to start the application process. The purpose of showing proofs is to give the SSDI all the information and documentation they need to decide your eligibility. Once you submit the application, the disability examiner will review your materials. That’s when they decide whether you’re eligible and qualified to receive disability benefits based on what they are able to understand about your current disability and health situation as well as your work status.

What About Special Rules for Those Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision?

You may be considered blind if your vision is not corrected to better than 20/200 in one eye. You may be blind if your field of vision is at 20 degrees or less. So, you could still be eligible even if you have some sight. It might be that you can see large print or can walk without a guide dog or cane. The issue is really about whether your vision and/or health problems are significant enough that you’re unable to work.

With special rules and considerations for some disability situations, it’s even more important that a lawyer represents your best interests, helps you understand the process, and ensures that you get fair and equitable benefits in your particular situation. Even if others may not consider you disabled, ensure you understand the rules and how they might impact your situation.

The ability to do work is an important consideration here, because the SSA considers things like education, age, your past work experience, and your skills. If you cannot do any work, you may qualify for disability benefits. But, if you can do other types of work, even if it’s part of a unique situation, your disability status may be affected or completely denied. You should know how the factors in your situation will affect your case and what you can and should do to ensure the best possible outcome.

What Happens Once You’ve Applied for SSDI in Michigan?

When you submit your SSDI application, the Social Security Administration staff review your paperwork to ensure you meet the basic qualifications for having a disability. They also check out your current work and activities to evaluate whether you meet the criteria for approval. Once the basics have been verified, they send your case to the Disability Determination Services office in Michigan.

If they still need additional paperwork or have clarifying questions, the SSA may contact you for further details. Depending on your case’s complexity, you’ll receive a letter with a notification of the decision from the SSA. So you should determine whether you’re eligible to receive benefits based on your current qualifications and eligibility status in Michigan.

What is the Timeline for Disability Approval in Michigan?

You might face a wait of at least 3-5 months from the time you apply until you get a decision on your disability status. If your application is complete and you’ve submitted all the appropriate documentation, you’ve already done everything possible to speed up the process.

Depending on your disability, it might take longer to verify your medical records and other evidence to ensure that all applicable details are accounted for. In some cases, the approval process for disability cases can take two years or more to near completion.

With the potential of such a long and drawn-out process, you can check the status of your disability case application online. You can log in to your online SSA account or call 1-800-772-1213 the office during business hours. Find out the status of your application and whether additional records are needed.

What About the SSDI Hearing Process?

If you’re turned down for disability benefits, you may appeal the decision. You should act right away because you have only a 60-day window from the time you received the notification of your rejected application.

To appeal a decision in Michigan, 70 administrative law judges decide in court over Social Security Disability disputes at the seven hearing offices throughout the state. Here’s how long the hearing process could take and what the typical outcome in Michigan might be for your appeal process.

  • Hearing Wait Time: 13.7 Months
  • Average Processing Time: 463 days
  • Cases Approved: 48%
  • Cases Denied: 35%
  • Cases Dismissed: 16%

Given your status, you’ll likely hope that your disability case will be overturned, the process is a bit more complicated. If you are appealing the SSA decision, you have four levels of appeals you might consider.

  • You may request a reconsideration.
  • Or, you could want the Appeals Council to review your case.
  • Perhaps you want an administrative law judge to conduct a hearing.
  • Or, you want a federal court to review the documentation and evidence in your case.

If you are appealing your case, that means the evidence wasn’t enough to satisfy the Disability Determination Services office the first time around. So, the burden of proof may be a challenge. That’s why it may be essential for you to seek the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who can advocate on your behalf and answer complicated questions about your disability, medical or work history, and qualification considerations.

What Are Your Other Options?

If you’ve explored other options you are unsure how to proceed from here, you can access the Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation Services. It’s designed to help those individuals with disabilities who may want to return to work but are unsure how or where to start.

What About an Advance Designation?

With an Advance Designation, you can designate one or more persons to represent your interests in the future. It’s typically a family member or other person who is close to you. So, that person would manage your benefits if you become incapacitated or when you’re unable to manage your own affairs. You can submit your choice for an Advance Designation when you first submit your application, or you can adjust those details at any time in the future by logging into your account and changing the details to your designated person.

Why You Need an Advocate or Attorney to Help

You are not alone in this process, but you’ll also find a number of resources available to you as you move forward with this process. As a first step in applying for SSDI, you should be gathering the required documentation, including essential medical records, work history, and other information supporting your claim.

The process may seem daunting, particularly if you’ve done nothing like it before, but you can get assistance filing for SSI or SSDI benefits. With the help of a knowledgeable partner, you can get through the process more quickly and effectively, without the headache. You can benefit from the shorter processing times and more streamlined waiting periods. It’s also more likely that they will approve your disability case.

What you don’t know or can’t possibly know can affect whether you receive disability benefits, so it’s important to be prepared with the help of an attorney to represent your best interests.