If you have never worked because you have had a disability since childhood, or if you have a child who is disabled, you may be eligible for SSI in Michigan. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a benefit from the Social Security Administration that helps people who have a disability make ends meet.
To qualify for SSI in Michigan you must meet the criteria set by the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI you may also be eligible for other benefits from the state of Michigan.
Eligibility Criteria for SSI in Michigan
SSI was created to help people who have never been able to work because they have been disabled since childhood, but it can also help low-income parents who have a child who is disabled. But you must meet the SSA’s list of requirements to have your application for SSI in Michigan approved.
Income/Resource Requirements
The Social Security Administration has set income and resource limits on SSI. If you apply for SSI in Michigan you can’t have assets that exceed these requirements.
As of 2023, the income limit for SSI in Michigan is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. That means that if you live alone you can’t make more than $914 per month or you won’t qualify for SSI. If you are married or live with a partner who is also eligible for SSI together you can’t make more than $1,371 per month.
There are some exceptions to this requirement, however. The first $20 of income per month doesn’t count towards the requirement. And the first $65 of earned income doesn’t count towards that requirement. Also, half of the remaining earned income after that $65 doesn’t count towards the requirement cap.
There is also a resource limit set by the SSA. An individual can’t have more than $2,000 in assets or resources, and a couple can’t have more than $3,000 in assets. Assets, or resources, are things like pensions, savings accounts, stocks, and real estate. A home that you own doesn’t count towards the asset limit.
Medical Criteria
If you are an adult who is blind, disabled, or over the age of 65 you can apply for SSI. Parents who have a child who is disabled can apply for SSI for that child to help pay for the child’s living expenses.
In order for your application for SSI in Michigan to be approved you must have a condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. And you must meet all the requirements for that condition that are listed in the Blue Book.
To prove that you meet the SSA’s requirements you must submit a letter of diagnosis from a doctor and medical records, test results, and other documents that prove your medical condition meets the requirements listed for that condition in the Blue Book. You will also have to submit financial information like your tax information, bank records, and other financial documents.
The SSA will look at your medical records, education, age, and other criteria to decide if your disability makes it impossible for you to work. If they decide it does, and your financial documents prove that you meet the financial requirements, they will approve your application for SSI.
Parents who are submitting an application for SSI on behalf of a child will need to submit the child’s medical records and their own financial information. You will need to submit a W-2 or Federal tax return for every adult in the house who works full-time. The total combined income for the household can’t exceed the SSA’s income cap.
State-Specific Programs
If you are approved for SSI in Michigan, you may also be eligible for several other types of assistance like:
- Food Assistance Program (SNAP): SSI recipients in Michigan can apply for food stamps to help pay for food and essentials. Your SSI income will be considered when determining eligibility and benefit amounts.
- Medicaid: Being eligible for SSI typically qualifies you for Medicaid in Michigan, which helps cover medical costs.
- State Supplementation: Michigan provides a state supplement to SSI benefits to give people more cash to spend on essentials like rent or mortgage, utilities, clothing, and medicine.
- Housing Support: While SSI itself does not provide direct housing support, your SSI benefits may help you qualify for other housing assistance programs, such as public housing or Section 8 vouchers.
SSI Benefits in Michigan
If you’re receiving SSI benefits in Michigan the maximum benefit amount that you can receive is set by the Social Security Administration, not by the state.
Federal Benefit Rate
The Social Security Administration has set the maximum benefit amount for an individual receiving SSI at $943 in 2024. That means if you’re a single person the most money you will receive for SSI in Michigan is $943.
If you are married or have a partner that also receives SSI the highest benefit payment that the two of you can receive is $1,415.
State Supplements
Michigan is one of a handful of states that provides extra money to people who qualify for SSI. If you are receiving SSI in Michigan as an individual you could receive an extra $20-25 per month from the state. Or, you could receive $30-35 extra if you have a spouse or partner receiving SSI.
Healthcare Coverage
If you are receiving SSI in Michigan you can also qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income people that is administered by the state.
Applying for SSI in Michigan
Outline the steps to applying for SSI in Michigan
If you are applying for SSI in Michigan you first have to make sure that you meet all of the SSA’s criteria. Then, you have to collect all of the medical evidence proving your medical condition meets the SSA’s requirements. After you have the application filled out and your documents gathered you can apply online, over the phone, or in a local SSA office in Michigan.
Discuss Documents Needed for Application
When you apply for SSI you will need to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Medical records
- Financial Records
- Social Security numbers
Application Timeline
It can take 3-6 months or even longer in some cases, to get a decision when applying for SSI in Michigan. Things like mistakes in your application, how many applications there are, and other factors can affect how long it takes for your application to either be approved or denied.
Appeals Process for Denied SSI Applications in Michigan
If your application for SSI in Michigan is denied you appeal that decision.
Steps to Take if Denied
If your application is rejected or denied you will receive a form that you can file to ask for reconsideration. That’s asking the SSA to look at the application again. If the SSA rejects the application during reconsideration you can ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge. And if the judge rejects your application you can ask for further appeals. Don’t lose hope if your application is denied the first time.
How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?
The appeals process can take anywhere from 1-3 months for a reconsideration to over a year for a hearing with a judge. To shorten the time it takes to have your appeal heard it’s very important that you meet all deadlines for sending in documents.
Resources and Support for SSI Applicants in Michigan
Some resources and agencies that can help you apply for SSI in Michigan are:
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM)
- Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP)
- Disability Network
- The Arc Michigan
- Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS)
Working with a Michigan SSI Lawyer
Working with an SSI lawyer from Michigan can raise your chances of getting your application approved. A Michigan SSI lawyer can help you with things like:
- Meeting deadlines
- Understanding the application
- Gathering medical evidence
- Filling out the application
- Filing appeals
Fill out the Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Michigan SSI lawyer who can help you with your Michigan SSI application.
