Michiganders have the opportunity to apply for three different benefit programs once health issues force them to stop working. Yet only 3% of the state’s population currently gets Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Another 2.3% receive Supplemental Security Income payments each month. If you need to apply for Michigan disability benefits, we’ll explain how to qualify for all three programs below.
Michigan Disability Claimants Can Apply for Three Different Benefit Programs
Three Michigan disability programs are designed to help people make ends meet once they’re unable to work. Even better, you may qualify for payments from both state and federal programs each month! So, read through each section below to figure out which program you’ll likely qualify for before you apply. That way, you can get paid the most money you deserve as quickly as possible.
Most Michigan disability claimants should apply for these programs in the following order:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA)
We’ll explain why in detail under each program section listed below.
Important: If your condition won’t keep you out of work for at least 12 months, apply for Michigan SDA first!
Program #1: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages a federal benefits program called SSDI. However, SSDI doesn’t cover short-term disabilities lasting less than 12 months (i.e., pregnancy, knee surgery, etc.). Below, we’ll answer some typical questions people ask when filing for SSDI benefits.
1. How Can I Tell If I’m Eligible for SSDI?
Here’s how to tell if you may qualify for Michigan disability benefits through the SSDI program:
- Have you worked 5 in the last 10 years while paying FICA payroll taxes? This is the first step towards getting income through the SSDI program. Employees that don’t normally pay FICA taxes include teachers, firefighters, police officers, truck drivers, bartenders, or restaurant workers. Anyone who stopped working more than five years ago also won’t qualify for SSDI. That’s because SSDI is a federal disability insurance policy. Once you stop paying into Social Security, then that coverage automatically lapses.
- Will your medical issue last for at least 12 months or probably result in your death? If your doctor expects your symptoms to last less than a year, then the SSA will automatically deny your claim. Only people whose conditions force them to stop working for 12+ months can qualify for SSDI in Michigan.
- Are you at least 18, but younger than 67 and not currently getting other Social Security benefits? SSDI is designed to help those unable to work specifically due to mentally or physically disabling health problems. Once you turn 67, Michigan disability payments through the SSDI program automatically convert into Social Security retirement checks. Learn why federal law prevents anyone from drawing two Social Security payments on the same work record.
If you answered “yes” to these three questions, then apply for Michigan disability benefits through the SSDI program.
2. If Approved, How Long Before I Get My First SSDI Payment?
Average wait time for the SSA to review your SSDI benefits application is 3-5 months. Federal law puts a mandatory five-month waiting period in place before anyone can get their first SSDI payment. That means you can’t get that first check any sooner than six months after filing your disability claim. Unfortunately, only 1 in 5 people get benefits on their first try. And only 6% that file without a lawyer succeed on their first try.
Even if you have a terminal illness that fast-tracks your application for review, you’ll still wait at least six months. Last year, Michigan SSDI claims took 385 days to process, on average. That’s more than a year!
If you’re turned down the first time, you still have 60 days to file an appeal. If you live in Mt. Pleasant, you’ll wait 9 months, on average, to plead your case. But in Livonia or Lansing, that wait for a court date stretches out to 13 months. That’s why we strongly recommend getting a lawyer to help you apply the first time. All Social Security lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing for help filing your application.
Nearly 2 in 5 applicants get denied benefits for simple mistakes on their claim forms. A lawyer gives you the best chance to get approved for benefits on your first attempt. Plus, a lawyer gets paid nothing unless you’re successful.
3. How Much Does SSDI Pay in Michigan Disability Income?
The maximum monthly SSDI payment in 2026 is $4,152. Nationwide, disabled workers get an average monthly SSDI payment of $1,630.
The SSA averages your highest wages over a 35-year work history to determine your Michigan disability amount. However, your monthly payment can go up during years with a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase.
4. Are SSDI Payments Permanent?
Unfortunately, no. Once benefits start, the SSA checks your disability status every 3, 5, or 7 years until you turn 67 years old. After that, your SSDI payments automatically turn into Social Security retirement. Your monthly pay amount won’t change, and you don’t need to do anything to make this happen. However, if the SSA decides you will get well enough to start working again sooner, they’ll stop paying you benefits.
Bonus Tip: Purchase your full medical records from every doctor that treats you to include with your SSDI claim. You need strong proof to support your SSDI claim, and free records are not enough to do that!
Program #2: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you haven’t paid FICA taxes or worked in 5+ years, you should apply for Michigan disability payments from SSI instead. Federal assistance through SSI helps disabled, blind, and older people who cannot work get by each month. SSI has very strict income limits for those that apply. While SSI pays less money each month, you may qualify at age 65 based on age and low income status alone.
1. SSI Medical Eligibility Questions Are Identical to SSDI
If you’re under 65, you must be blind or meet the SSA’s definition of “disabled” to qualify for SSI. SSI pays permanent disability benefits to Michiganders each month, while the state’s SDA program does not.
2. SSI Applicants Need Very Little Income and Almost No Assets To Qualify
You must must have less than $1,690 in monthly income to qualify for SSI. The SSA looks at any money you get each month as your “income.” This includes things like savings account interest, alimony, or child support payments. You must own less than $2,000 in financial assets, which also includes your bank balance. They’ll count jewelry, stocks, bonds, 401(k) or IRA balances, etc. towards that limit. However, the SSA won’t count a few important things, like:
- Your house (if you own it) or the land it’s sitting on
- One primary vehicle for daily travel needs
- Your wedding ring, furniture, clothing and certain other items (tools, appliances, bedding, towels, etc.)
They’ll consider most things you might sell for cash as an asset that counts towards your $2,000 maximum limit. Couples must own less than $3,000 in combined assets and no more than $1,690 in monthly income to get SSI.
3. SSI Pays Up to $4,152 to Individuals, or $1,450 to Couples Each Month
Again, this monthly federal aid program only helps people who are blind, disabled, or over 65 and have very low income. So, the SSA investigates any reason to deny you SSI benefits.
Do you live rent-free with your family or get free meals through church? They’ll count those as money, and include them in your monthly SSI income limit.
The SSA also checks up on anyone getting SSI every so often to confirm they still qualify for benefits. If they think you can work again, you’ll get an overpayment letter in the mail. That means you’ll have to repay any SSI benefits they say you owe them all at once. If you can’t pay that amount, the SSA will garnish your benefits or IRS refund until that debt is repaid.
Program #3: Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA)
If you get SSDI or SSI, then you probably qualify for state-based Michigan disability benefits as well.
Here are the basic rules to apply for Michigan disability through the state’s SDA program:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or approved resident alien.
- Caregivers for disabled persons or individuals aged 65 and up may qualify.
- Must reside in Michigan and not currently receive benefits from another state.
- Cannot have cash or assets totaling more than $15,000 in value (doesn’t include your home, if you own it).
- Monthly income must be below $600 per month, or $7,200 each year.
- People who currently get SSDI or SSI can qualify for supplemental state-based payments.
After approval, SDA claimants can get paid this amount in monthly benefits:
- $200 for each individual
- $315 for an adult plus their spouse
Bonus Tip: If you get a Social Security award letter in the mail, immediately apply for Michigan SDA! It takes about 60 days after you file your application to get SDA benefits. That way, you’ll up to $200 more in Michigan disability each month in addition to your federal payments.
How to Get Free Help Qualifying for Disability Benefits in Michigan
Applying for SSI or SSDI is difficult, and the process can take several months to complete. Why not have an experienced Social Security attorney help you get it right the first time? One can call you to discuss your claim questions free of charge during normal business hours.
These lawyers charge $0 unless they help you get benefits.
Denied Michigan disability income once already and looking to appeal? A lawyer can review your claim for mistakes to fix before you move forward. Lawyers won’t take on your case unless they think you’ll win. And if you do win, then you’ll only pay one small fee.
Want help from an expert qualifying for Social Security disability payments? Click the button below to start your free case review now:
Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation
Social Security Office Locations in Michigan
Michigan SSA field offices are open Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm. You must call and make an appointment to apply for Michigan disability benefits in person:
Important: Hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals can contact any MI Social Security office using TTY (800) 325-3778.
Adrian Social Security Office
1040 S Winter Street, Suite 2401
Adrian, MI 49221
Phone: (877) 512-5943
Fax: (833) 950-3401
Alpena Social Security Office
111 N. 4th Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (877) 452-4195
Fax: (833) 950-2774
Ann Arbor Social Security Office
3971 Research Park Drive, Suite A
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: (877) 402-0825
Fax: (734) 769-9916
Battle Creek Social Security Office
5700 Beckley Road, Suite D1
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Phone: (877) 445-0829
Fax: (833) 950-2462
Bay City Social Security Office
1115 Washington Avenue
Bay City, MI 48708
Phone: (866) 366-4924
Fax: (833) 950-2134
Benton Harbor Social Security Office
455 Bond Street
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: (877) 405-5457
Fax: (833) 950-2474
Big Rapids Social Security Office
502 N State Street, Suite A
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Phone: (855) 245-0641
Fax: (833) 950-3705
Chesterfield Social Security Office
26200 21 Mile Road
Chesterfield, MI 48051
Phone: (866) 635-0788
Fax: (833) 950-3699
Clawson Social Security Office
140 North Crooks
Clawson, MI 48017
Phone: (888) 456-9559
Fax: (833) 950-2784
Dearborn Social Security Office
19853 Outer Drive, Suite 200
Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (877) 714-0392
Fax: (833) 950-2466
Detroit Conner Social Security Office
3400 Conner Street
Detroit, MI 48215
Phone: (877) 405-7824
Fax: (833) 950-2782
Detroit Downtown Social Security Office
477 Michigan Avenue, Room 450
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (888) 748-7691
Fax: (833) 902-2656
Detroit East Social Security Office
19503 E. Eight Mile Rd
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
Phone: (877) 845-0540
Fax: (833) 950-2136
Detroit Grand River Social Security Office
9222 Grand River Avenue
Detroit, MI 48204
Phone: (866) 405-0043
Fax: (833) 950-2778
Detroit Northwest Social Security Office
26840 W 7 Mile Road
Redford Township, MI 48240
Phone: (888) 329-5729
Fax: (833) 950-2470
Detroit Southwest Social Security Office
5715 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48210
Phone: (877) 319-0730
Fax: (833) 950-3701
Escanaba Social Security Office
1013 1St Ave North
Escanaba, MI 49829
Phone: (877) 545-5503
Fax: (833) 950-2132
Farmington Hills Social Security Office
27650 Farmington Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: (866) 331-2210
Fax: (833) 950-3695
Flint Social Security Office
1149 Robert T. Longway
Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (888) 318-7282
Fax: (833) 950-2120
North Flint Social Security Office
2021 W Carpenter Road
Flint, MI 48505
Phone: (877) 748-9766
Fax: (833) 902-2644
Fort Gratiot Social Security Office
2620 Krafft Road
Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
Phone: (877) 895-0042
Fax: (833) 950-2468
Grand Rapids Social Security Office
3045 Knapp Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: (877) 319-5710
Fax: (833) 902-2660
Highland Park Social Security Office
60 East Grand Ave
Highland Park, MI 48203
Phone: (877) 512-5945
Fax: (833) 950-2138
Holland Social Security Office
657 Hastings Avenue
Holland, MI 49423
Phone: (877) 223-6062
Fax: (833) 950-3395
Inkster Social Security Office
28657 Cherry Hill Road
Inkster, MI 48141
Phone: (866) 704-4860
Fax: (833) 950-3697
Jackson Social Security Office
234 W Louis Glick Highway, Suite 200
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (877) 405-0473
Fax: (833) 950-2124
Kalamazoo Social Security Office
317 South Drake Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: (866) 331-9088
Fax: (833) 950-2128
Lansing Social Security Office
5210 Perry Robinson
Lansing, MI 48911
Phone: (877) 512-5944
Fax: (833) 950-2130
Livonia Social Security Office
34010 Plymouth Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: (866) 964-7371
Fax: (833) 580-0159
Ludington Social Security Office
150 N Jebavy Drive
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (866) 495-0075
Fax: (833) 902-2652
Marquette Social Security Office
101 W Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (855) 782-9154
Fax: (833) 902-2658
Monroe Social Security Office
1300 S Telegraph Road
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (877) 274-5416
Fax: (833) 950-2772
Mt. Pleasant Social Security Office
1940 Sweeney Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (877) 405-7667
Fax: (833) 950-2478
Muskegon Social Security Office
340 Morris Ave
Muskegon, MI 49440
Phone: (866) 763-2632
Fax: (833) 950-2464
Owosso Social Security Office
1350 E Main Street
Owosso, MI 48867
Phone: (855) 628-1592
Fax: (833) 950-3405
Petoskey Social Security Office
308 State Street, Suite 8
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (866) 574-2588
Fax: (833) 950-2480
Pontiac Social Security Office
1280 Pontiac Road
Pontiac, MI 48340
Phone: (866) 299-3777
Fax: (833) 950-2122
Roseville Social Security Office
15250 E 12 Mile Road
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: (877) 833-2541
Fax: (833) 950-2472
Saginaw Social Security Office
611 E Genesee Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48607
Phone: (877) 405-5868
Fax: (833) 902-2662
Sault Sainte Marie Social Security Office
2861 Ashmun Street, Suite 1
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783
Phone: (855) 285-6007
Fax: (833) 950-2188
Sterling Heights Social Security Office
7385 Triangle Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Phone: (888) 619-4768
Fax: (833) 580-0165
Traverse City Social Security Office
1329 S Division Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (866) 739-4802
Fax: (833) 950-2126
West Branch Social Security Office
541 Progress Street
West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (877) 897-0602
Fax: (833) 902-2654
Wyandotte Social Security Office
3450 Biddle Avenue
Wyandotte, MI 48192
Phone: (866) 964-7407
Fax: (833) 950-3067
Fact Checking: We verified all SSA field office addresses shown above with the Social Security Administration. We also called every phone number here to confirm their accuracy on January 21, 2026.
Pro Tip: If applying for Michigan disability benefits in person, plan to spend 4-5 hours filling out paperwork during your appointment.
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.
