If you live in Michigan and you’re disabled now but used to work, you can apply for SSDI in Michigan. SSDI is a benefit program run by the Social Security Administration to help people who can’t work anymore pay for essentials like food and housing.
Your work history is part of your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits in Michigan. You earn work credits for the money that you pay into the Social Security system through taxes that are deducted from your paycheck.
Understanding Work Credits in Michigan
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits in Michigan you will have to qualify based on your medical condition and how many work credits you’ve earned.
What are Work Credits?
When you work taxes are deducted from your paycheck for Social Security. The amount of taxes you pay is based on the amount of money that you earn and how many hours you work. By paying into the Social Security system you are making yourself eligible for SSDI if you need it.
You can earn up to 4 work credits per year in Michigan. When you apply for SSDI you will need to prove that you have earned a set number of work credits that are based on your age and how long you have worked.
How Work Credits Are Calculated
To calculate work credits the Social Security Administration looks at several factors. You earn one work credit for every $1,640 you earn, up to a maximum of four credits per year. This means if you earn at least $6,560 in a year, you’ll earn all four credits for that year.
But your work history also plays a role in how many work credits you need to qualify for SSDI. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability.
The Role of Work Credits in Disability Benefits
Workers in Michigan have to show that they have earned the required amount of work credits to qualify for SSDI because earning work credits shows that you made an effort to work when you were able to work. The SSA wants to be sure that people who can work are working and that only people who truly can’t work are getting SSDI.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need in Michigan?
If you’re a worker in Michigan the number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age and whether or not you are blind.
Work Credit Requirements by Age
The number of work credits required for SSDI in Michigan by age are:
- Ages 31 and Older: Generally, you need 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
- Ages 24 to 30: You need at least 20 work credits earned in the last 10 years. However, if you are closer to age 24, the number of required credits decreases:
- Age 24: 6 credits in the last 3 years.
- Age 25: 12 credits in the last 3 years.
- Age 26: 18 credits in the last 3 years.
- Age 27: 24 credits in the last 5 years.
- Age 28: 30 credits in the last 5 years.
- Age 29: 36 credits in the last 5 years.
- Ages 18 to 23: You need 6 work credits earned in the last 3 years.
The number of work credits required is different for different ages in Michigan because the SSA expects that you will work more as you get older. The younger you are, the less time you’ve had to work and earn credits.
Blind Workers
If you are blind and can’t work there are special rules that limit the requirements you must meet. You may qualify for SSDI benefits with fewer work credits.
Recent Work Test & Duration of Work Test
The SSA uses two separate tests to determine if a worker has earned enough recent credits to qualify for SSDI in Michigan. The Recent Work Test is primarily about how recently you have been employed. The Duration of Work Test ensures you have a sufficient work history over your lifetime
What If You Don’t Meet the Work Requirements in Michigan?
If you are disabled and can’t work but don’t meet the SSA’s work requirements in Michigan you may have other options for support.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI may be an option for individuals in Michigan who don’t meet SSDI work requirements but are still disabled and have limited income and resources. SSI is like SSDI but has no work requirement.
Exceptions and Appeals
If an applicant is close to meeting the work requirements but falls short in Michigan they may be able to apply for SSDI and appeal the denial so that they can explain in detail why they should be approved for SSDI in Michigan.
How to Check Your Work Credits
If you want to check how many work credits you have or get more information about your eligibility for SSDI in Michigan you can go to the SSA’s website and create an account or log into your existing account. Your work credit history and other eligibility details should be listed in your account. You can also visit any SSA office in Michigan to get help or ask questions.
