Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Michigan

To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a severe medical condition that prevents substantial work. ALS is considered a Compassionate Allowances condition, meaning Social Security fast-tracks applications for people with ALS. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and assets. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen status. Children with ALS may also qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria.

• SSDI: Requires work history and Social Security tax payments. You generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• SSI: Based on financial need, not work history. Income and asset limits apply.
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients; others may qualify based on income and disability.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.

Source: SSA.gov

In Michigan, people with ALS may qualify for the State Disability Assistance Program (SDA), which provides monthly cash assistance to adults with disabilities. SDA eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or qualified legal immigrant status, Michigan residency, and not receiving cash assistance from another state. SDA is separate from SSI and SSDI, but you may qualify for both. Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs. Some SSI recipients in Michigan receive a small state supplement to their federal benefit.

• SDA: For adults with disabilities, including ALS.
• Medicaid Waivers: For home and community-based services.
• State Supplement: Some SSI recipients get extra cash from Michigan.

Source: Michigan.gov SDA, Michigan.gov Benefits

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local office.
• Apply for SDA through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
• Apply for Medicaid through MI Bridges or your local MDHHS office.
• Consider applying for Medicaid waivers for home care.
• Contact a Benefits-to-Work Coach for help with work incentives.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so documentation is critical.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for both at once.
• Step 3: Apply for SDA through the MI Bridges portal or your local MDHHS office. You may need to provide proof of disability, income, and residency.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through MI Bridges or your local MDHHS office. SSI recipients are automatically enrolled in Medicaid.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services if you need long-term care support.
• Step 6: Contact a Benefits-to-Work Coach for help with work incentives and reporting changes.
• Step 7: Keep all records and report any changes in income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov SDA, Michigan.gov Benefits

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with a work history and enough Social Security credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with limited income and assets.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disability.
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.
• Medicaid Waivers: For home and community-based services.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

Source: SSA.gov

• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Monthly cash assistance for adults with disabilities, including ALS. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash assistance from another state.
• Medicaid Waivers: For home and community-based services, such as personal care and respite care.
• State Supplement: Some SSI recipients in Michigan receive a small extra payment from the state.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services: For job training and support.
• Michigan Works!: For employment services.

Source: Michigan.gov SDA, Michigan.gov Benefits

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses, such as housing, education, and transportation. Michigan residents can open an ABLE account through the Michigan ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free.

Source: Michigan.gov ABLE

• SSI: In 2025, the federal maximum is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Michigan may add a small state supplement. Countable resources must be under $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, SGA is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals.
• SDA: Income limits vary based on household size and other factors. Contact MDHHS for details.

Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov SDA

You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Report changes to Social Security and MDHHS as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options.

Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov SDA

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7am–7pm, Monday–Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-855-275-6424

  Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday

  Website

  Apply for SDA, Medicaid, and other state benefits.

• Does ALS qualify for expedited disability benefits in Michigan?

  Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so Social Security fast-tracks applications for people with ALS. This means you may get a decision faster than for other disabilities.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for ALS in Michigan?

  SSI is based on financial need and does not require work history. SSDI is based on work history and Social Security tax payments. You may qualify for both if your SSDI benefit is low.

• How much money can I get from SSI for ALS in Michigan?

  In 2025, the federal maximum SSI benefit is $943 per month for individuals. Some Michigan residents may get a small state supplement. The amount depends on your income and living situation.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI for ALS in Michigan?

  Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to earn some income while keeping benefits. The SGA limit in 2025 is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.

• What is the State Disability Assistance Program (SDA) in Michigan?

  SDA is a state program that provides monthly cash assistance to adults with disabilities, including ALS. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant and live in Michigan.

• Do I get Medicaid automatically with SSI in Michigan?

  Yes, SSI recipients in Michigan are automatically enrolled in Medicaid, which provides health coverage for people with disabilities.