The two paths to explore in Michigan

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself — not through the state of Michigan. Michigan does not run its own disability program. You will work with the federal Social Security Administration, which has offices in Michigan where you can explore in person, or you can explore online or by phone from anywhere.

The difference between the two matters before you start. SSDI is based on your own work history and the taxes you or a family member paid into Social Security. SSI is based on financial need — it does not require a work history. Most people in Michigan explore for one or the other, though some people are found to have a condition that qualifies them for both.

Michigan also has a state disability program called the Medicaid Waiver for Persons with Disabilities, but that is separate from Social Security and covers long-term support services, not the monthly cash benefit. You can be on both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security, not to Michigan, by going online at ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI requires financial need; you should know which one you are explore for before you start, though Social Security can determine both at once.
  • You will need medical records, work history, and proof of identity and citizenship, but you do not have to gather everything before you call or explore online.
  • The process takes three to six months on average, and you can work with a disability representative or lawyer to help you through it.
  • If Social Security denies you, you have the right to request reconsideration, and most people who appeal eventually receive benefits.

explore online at ssa.gov

The fastest way to start is to go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability." You can fill out the form on your own time, save it, and come back to it. You do not have to finish it all at once. Social Security will ask about your medical condition, your work history, and your household income and resources.

The online form asks you to describe when your condition started, what doctors or hospitals you have seen, and what medications you take. You do not need to have all of this information typed up before you start — you can write it in your own words, and Social Security will follow up if they need more detail. The form also asks about any work you have done in the past 15 years.

After you submit the form online, a Social Security representative will contact you by phone or mail to confirm your information and ask follow-up questions. They will also tell you what documents to send in. You can upload some documents directly through your online account.

explore by phone or in person

If you do not want to use the internet, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and can file your process over the phone. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can ask for an interpreter if you do not speak English.

You can also walk into a Social Security office in Michigan and explore in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator or call the number above. Offices are in most cities and towns. You do not need an appointment to explore, but wait times vary — calling ahead to ask about busy times can help.

Whether you explore by phone or in person, you will still need to send in documents later. Social Security will tell you which ones and how to send them.

Documents you will need to gather

Social Security will ask for proof of your identity, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security number. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for identity. For citizenship, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work. You likely already have your Social Security number.

You will also need medical records from any doctors, hospitals, or mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. You do not have to collect these yourself — you can give Social Security the names and addresses of your providers, and they will request the records for you. This takes longer but costs you nothing.

If you have worked in the past 15 years, bring or send a list of your employers, the dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or other proof of income. If you receive other benefits — unemployment, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits — bring those documents too.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to a state agency called the Disability information Service (DDS). In Michigan, this is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

This review takes two to three months on average, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if Social Security needs to send you to a doctor for an exam. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied.

If you are approved, you will receive a notice telling you when your benefits start and how much your monthly payment will be. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

What to do if Social Security denies you

If you receive a denial letter, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. This means Social Security will review your case again, usually with a different examiner. You can submit new medical records or other evidence that you did not have the first time.

Many people are denied the first time and approved on reconsideration or after a hearing. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testify about your condition and how it affects your ability to work.

You do not have to go through this process alone. You can work with a disability representative or lawyer who knows Social Security rules. They can help you gather evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case. Many representatives and lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

Working with a representative or lawyer

A disability representative or lawyer can help you at any stage — when you first explore, during reconsideration, or before a hearing. They know what evidence Social Security looks for and can help you present your medical records and work history in the strongest way.

To find a representative, you can search the Social Security website at ssa.gov/representation for accredited representatives in Michigan. You can also contact a legal aid organization in your county — they often have lawyers or representatives who work with people who cannot pay.

If your representative or lawyer wins your case, Social Security will pay them a fee from your back pay — the money owed to you from the date you became disabled. You do not pay them out of pocket. The fee is capped by law at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from SSDI or SSI. However, if you earn more than a certain amount per month, it may affect your SSI payment. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without it affecting your benefits, though this amount changes each year. Social Security will explain the limits when you explore.

How much will my monthly benefit be?

For SSDI, your benefit is based on your work history and the taxes you paid into Social Security. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower depending on your earnings record. For SSI, the federal payment is $943 per month in 2024, though Michigan adds a small state supplement. Social Security will tell you the exact amount if you are approved.

Do I have to see a doctor that Social Security sends me to?

If Social Security asks you to see a doctor for an exam, you should go. Refusing or missing the appointment can result in a denial. However, if you have a good reason you cannot attend — illness, transportation, or a medical conflict — call Social Security and explain. They may reschedule or accept medical records from your own doctor instead.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can explore for SSDI if you have a valid Social Security number and a work history in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. For SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents and some other categories. Call Social Security to ask whether your immigration status qualifies you for SSI.

Can I explore for my child or family member?

Yes. A parent or guardian can explore on behalf of a child under 18. An adult child with a disability can also receive benefits on a parent's work record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. You would explore through the same process — online, by phone, or in person — and Social Security will ask about the family member's condition and the parent's work history.