Michigan runs three separate disability programs, each with different rules and payment amounts

Michigan offers disability support through three distinct programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Michigan Disability information and Work Incentives (MDAWI). SSDI and SSI are federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration with offices throughout Michigan. MDAWI is a state program run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The program you may be able to use depends on your work history, current income, and assets.

SSDI is for people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with very low income and few assets, regardless of work history. MDAWI provides cash information to people with disabilities who don't meet SSDI or SSI rules but still need support. Understanding which program fits your situation is the first step, because the process process, payment amounts, and rules about work differ significantly between them.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI requires a work history and Social Security tax payments; SSI requires low income and assets under $2,000; MDAWI is a state program for people who don't may have access to for federal programs.
  • Social Security offices in Michigan process SSDI and SSI applications, while the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services handles MDAWI.
  • SSDI and SSI have different monthly payment amounts, and MDAWI payments vary by family size and other income.
  • Michigan allows people on disability to work part-time and keep some earnings without losing benefits, but the rules differ by program.
  • You can explore for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office; MDAWI applications go through your county Department of Health and Human Services office.

SSDI: For people with a work history

Social Security Disability Insurance pays monthly benefits based on your own work record and Social Security tax contributions. To may have access to, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The amount you receive depends on your earnings history, not on your current income or assets.

Michigan has 13 Social Security field offices where you can explore in person, or you can explore online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The process process typically takes three to six months, though complex cases may take longer. If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Most people are denied on first process, and many succeed on appeal with help from a representative.

Once approved for SSDI, you can work part-time and earn up to a certain amount (called the substantial gainful activity limit, which changes yearly) without losing your benefits. After nine months of work, you enter a nine-month trial work period where you can earn any amount and keep full benefits. This is designed to help you test whether you can return to work without when ready losing support.

SSI: For people with low income and few assets

Supplemental Security Income is a federal program for people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have very limited income and assets. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. Your monthly payment depends on your current income and assets. In Michigan, SSI payments are lower than SSDI payments because SSI assumes you may have other income sources.

You must have less than $2,000 in countable assets (some assets like your home and one vehicle don't count). Income limits change yearly. If you receive other income—from work, family members, or other sources—your SSI payment is reduced. You explore for SSI the same way as SSDI: online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Processing time is similar, typically three to six months.

SSI includes automatic enrollment in Medicaid in Michigan, which covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. SSDI recipients must wait 24 months after their benefits start before Medicare coverage begins. This Medicaid benefit makes SSI valuable even if the cash payment is modest, because it covers medical costs that would otherwise come out of pocket.

MDAWI: Michigan's state disability program

Michigan Disability information and Work Incentives is a state-funded program for people with disabilities who do not meet SSDI or SSI rules but still need cash information. You may may have access to if you are disabled, have limited income, and have already been denied SSDI or SSI, or if you don't have enough work history for SSDI and your income is slightly above SSI limits. MDAWI is often a bridge program for people waiting for a federal decision or who fall between the cracks of federal rules.

You explore for MDAWI through your county Department of Health and Human Services office, not through Social Security. Each county office handles applications, so contact your local office to request an process or explore online through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website. Processing time varies by county but typically takes four to eight weeks. MDAWI payments are lower than SSDI but may be available to people who don't may have access to federally.

MDAWI recipients also receive Medicaid coverage in Michigan. The program includes work incentives that allow you to earn income without losing benefits, similar to SSDI rules. If you later become approved for SSDI or SSI, MDAWI benefits stop, but you can reapply if your federal benefits end.

How work affects your benefits in Michigan

All three Michigan disability programs allow you to work and earn income while receiving benefits, but the rules differ. SSDI has the most generous work rules: you can earn up to the substantial gainful activity limit (in 2024, this is $1,550 per month, though it changes yearly) and keep full benefits. After nine months of work at any earnings level, you enter a trial work period where you can earn unlimited amounts for nine months without losing benefits.

SSI reduces your payment by $1 for every $2 you earn above $65 per month. This means you can work part-time and still receive some SSI, but your payment shrinks as earnings increase. MDAWI has similar work incentives to SSDI, allowing you to earn a set amount before benefits are reduced. The exact amount depends on your situation, so ask your caseworker about current limits.

If you work and your earnings exceed program limits, you don't lose benefits when ready. Instead, your monthly payment is reduced or you enter a trial period. This is designed to let you test work without the risk of losing all support at once. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security or your county office, because unreported work can result in overpayments you'll have to repay.

Medical evidence and the approval process

All three programs require medical evidence that you have a condition severe enough to prevent work. This means records from doctors, hospitals, or mental health providers showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how your condition limits your ability to work. You don't need to have a specific diagnosis—Social Security and MDAWI evaluate whether your condition, whatever it is, prevents substantial work activity.

When you explore, you'll be asked to list your doctors and hospitals. Social Security and MDAWI will request your medical records directly from these providers. This process takes time, which is why applications take several months. If you have recent medical records, you can submit them with your process to speed things up. If you don't have current medical care, explore for benefits is harder because there's no recent evidence of your condition.

If you're denied, you can appeal. The first appeal is called reconsideration, where a different Social Security examiner reviews your case. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people are approved at the hearing stage, especially with help from a representative. Legal aid organizations and disability advocates in Michigan offer free or low-cost help with appeals.

Getting help with your Michigan disability process

explore for disability benefits is complex, and many people benefit from help. Michigan has several free or low-cost resources. Legal Aid of Michigan provides free legal help to low-income people, including information with disability applications and appeals. The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition offers information and advocacy. Your local Area Agency on Aging (if you're 60 or older) or your county Department of Health and Human Services can also point you toward local resources.

You can also hire a disability representative to help with your process or appeal. Representatives are paid only if you win your case, and their fee is limited by law (typically 25% of back pay, up to $6,000). Before hiring a representative, check that they are accredited by Social Security. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of accredited representatives on its website.

If you're explore for MDAWI, your county caseworker can explain the program and help you understand what documents you need. If you're explore for SSDI or SSI, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a Social Security representative, or visit your local office in person. Social Security staff can answer questions about what to submit and what to expect during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI and MDAWI at the same time?

Yes. Many people explore for SSDI first because the payment is higher if approved. While waiting for a Social Security decision, you can also explore for MDAWI through your county office. If SSDI is approved, MDAWI stops. If SSDI is denied, MDAWI may provide support while you appeal the federal decision.

What happens to my benefits if I move out of Michigan?

SSDI and SSI benefits continue if you move to another state because they are federal programs. MDAWI benefits stop if you move out of Michigan because it is a state program. If you move, notify Social Security of your new address so payments continue without interruption.

Do I have to report my work earnings every month?

Yes. You must report earnings to Social Security (for SSDI or SSI) or your county office (for MDAWI) so your payment can be adjusted if needed. Failure to report can result in overpayments that you'll have to repay. Ask your caseworker or Social Security representative how to report—most offices accept reports by phone, mail, or online.

How long does it take to get approved for disability in Michigan?

Initial decisions on SSDI and SSI typically take three to six months. MDAWI decisions vary by county but usually take four to eight weeks. If you're denied and appeal, reconsideration takes another two to four months, and a hearing before a judge can take six months to over a year depending on the judge's schedule.

Can I get both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

No. If you may have access to for both, Social Security pays you SSDI (because it's usually higher) and does not pay SSI. However, some SSDI recipients may have access to for SSI if their SSDI payment is very low. Ask Social Security whether you might be may be able to access for both.