Start with Social Security, not the state

When you explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Michigan, you explore to the federal Social Security Administration, not to any Michigan state office. Social Security handles SSDI the same way everywhere in the country. Michigan does not run a separate state disability program for SSDI — the state does run a different program called State Disability information (SDA), but that is a separate path with different rules.

You can explore for SSDI in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process is the fastest route if you have your documents ready. If you call or visit in person, a Social Security representative will walk you through the questions and can answer them as you go.

Michigan has Social Security field offices in most cities. You can find the one nearest you by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require you to call ahead for an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security (the federal government), not to Michigan, and you can start online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctors, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • The process asks detailed questions about your medical condition, your work history, and how your condition affects your daily activities — answer as completely as you can because Social Security uses this to make its decision.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to the Michigan Disability information Service (DDS), a state agency that reviews medical evidence and makes the approval or denial decision.
  • The process typically takes three to six months, though cases involving medical evidence that is hard to find or complex medical conditions can take longer.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin your process. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will have to resubmit information later.

You will need your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work. If you do not have one of these, Social Security can help you figure out what to bring to your local office.

Bring medical records from every doctor, hospital, or mental health provider who has treated you for the condition that prevents you from working. This includes records from your primary care doctor, specialists, therapists, and any emergency room visits related to your condition. You do not have to collect these yourself — you can list the providers on your process and Social Security will request the records for you, but this adds time to the process. If you have the records already, attach them or bring them to your appointment.

You will also need a complete work history for the past 15 years. Write down the name of each employer, the dates you worked there, the type of work you did, and how much you earned. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements for those years.

explore online at ssa.gov

The online process for SSDI is called the Adult Disability Report. You start at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one — this takes a few minutes and requires your email address and a password.

The process walks you through sections on your medical condition, your work history, your daily activities, and your family situation. Answer each question as completely as you can. Social Security uses your answers to understand how your condition affects your ability to work, so do not rush through or leave sections blank.

When you reach the section asking about your medical providers, you can either list them and let Social Security request your records, or you can upload medical documents directly if you have them as PDFs or images. Uploading speeds things up. If you do not have documents ready, listing the providers is fine — Social Security will contact them.

After you submit the process online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email. You can use this number to check the status of your process later.

explore by phone or in person

If you call 1-800-772-1213, a Social Security representative will ask you the same questions as the online form. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your work history and medical providers without having to look them up later.

If you visit a Social Security office in Michigan in person, bring all your documents with you. The representative will review them, ask questions, and submit your process on the spot. Bring originals or certified copies of your birth certificate and proof of citizenship — photocopies are not accepted for these documents. You can bring copies of medical records and work history.

Whether you call or visit in person, ask the representative for a confirmation number and the name of the person handling your case. This makes it easier to follow up later if you have questions.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to the Michigan Disability information Service (DDS), which is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. DDS is the state agency that reviews the medical evidence and decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability.

DDS will review your medical records and may request additional records from your doctors. If your medical evidence is incomplete, DDS may schedule you for a consultative exam — a medical appointment paid for by Social Security with a doctor or psychologist who will examine you and send a report to DDS. This is not a second opinion on your diagnosis; it is a way for DDS to get current medical information if your records are old or incomplete.

You can check the status of your process by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will also mail you updates as your case moves through the process.

Timeline: what to expect and when

Most SSDI cases take three to six months from the date you submit your process to the date you receive a decision. Cases with straightforward medical evidence and clear work history tend to move faster. Cases involving complex medical conditions, missing medical records, or a need for a consultative exam usually take longer.

If DDS approves your case, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining your approval and your benefit amount. Your first payment arrives the month after you are approved. If DDS denies your case, you will receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial and your right to appeal.

If you disagree with a denial, you can file an appeal called a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice. This sends your case to a different DDS reviewer who will look at it again. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony.

What to do if you have questions during the process

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether your case has been received, whether DDS has started reviewing it, and whether any additional information is needed. You can also check your my Social Security account online for status updates.

If you need help understanding the process or filling out your process, you can contact a Social Security representative at your local Michigan office. You can also reach out to a disability advocate or legal aid organization — many in Michigan offer free help to people explore for SSDI. The Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS) and local legal aid societies can connect you with someone who knows the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI and State Disability information (SDA) at the same time in Michigan?

Yes. SSDI and SDA are separate programs with different rules. You can explore for both. If you are approved for SSDI, you typically will not receive SDA payments because SSDI is the primary program. But explore for both does not hurt, and some people find that one program approves them when the other denies them.

What if my medical records are from out of state?

Social Security will request them for you. List the out-of-state providers on your process, and Social Security will contact them directly. This takes longer than if you provided the records yourself, but it is still a normal part of the process.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI in Michigan?

You do not need a lawyer to explore. Many people are approved without one. A lawyer or advocate can be helpful if your case is complex, if you have been denied and are appealing, or if you are unsure how to describe your condition and work limitations.

What if I am still working part-time while I explore?

You can explore for SSDI even if you are working. Social Security looks at whether your condition prevents you from doing substantial work — the threshold is earning more than about $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes each year. If you earn less than that, you can still explore and potentially be approved.

How do I check the status of my process after I submit it?

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and look for your process status, or call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. Social Security also mails updates as your case moves through the process.