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Michigan • Mental Health
People in Michigan with anxiety disorders may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and cash assistance. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, your anxiety disorder must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical evidence showing your anxiety disorder meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Children with anxiety disorders may also qualify under certain conditions.
Example: If your anxiety disorder prevents you from holding a job, you may qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits, or SSI if your income and assets are low.
In Michigan, adults with anxiety disorders may qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) if they meet medical and financial criteria. SDA provides cash assistance to disabled adults who are not eligible for federal programs or need extra help. Michigan also pays a state supplement to some SSI recipients, increasing their monthly benefit. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, which covers mental health services. To get SDA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset limits. Non-citizens may qualify if they meet specific immigration requirements.
Source: Michigan.gov SDA, 2025
Example: If your anxiety disorder is severe and you have low income, you may get SSI with a Michigan supplement and Medicaid, plus SDA if you need more cash support.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: Michigan.gov SDA, 2025
Tip: Keep copies of all documents and follow up regularly on your application status.
Example: If you have anxiety and worked enough, you may get SSDI. If you have low income, you may get SSI and Medicaid.
Source: Michigan.gov SDA, 2025 Source: MiABLE, 2025
Example: If you have anxiety and low income, you may get SDA, SSI with a Michigan supplement, Medicaid, and a MiABLE account for extra savings.
Example: If you have anxiety, you can open a MiABLE account to save for therapy or medication without affecting your benefits.
Source: DAMichigan.com, 2025 Source: DisabilityLawGroup.com, 2025
Example: If you earn over $1,530/month, you may not qualify for SSDI, but SSI and SDA have different rules.
Tip: Keep records of all changes and communications with agencies.
Contact a disability attorney or legal aid organization for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and help you appeal if needed.
Yes, if your anxiety disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence and meet income or work history requirements for SSI or SSDI.
SSI pays up to $943/month in 2025, with a possible Michigan supplement. SSDI payments vary based on your work history. SDA payments depend on your financial situation.
For SSDI, yes. For SSI, no. SSI is based on financial need, not work history. SDA also does not require work history.
Yes, but there are limits. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,530/month and still get SSDI. SSI and SDA have different rules. Work incentives help you test your ability to work.
You need records from your doctor or therapist showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your anxiety disorder affects your daily life and ability to work.
Apply online at SSA.gov for federal benefits or through Michigan’s MI Bridges portal for SDA. You can also visit local offices or call for help.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Yes, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid. SSDI recipients may qualify after 24 months. SDA recipients may also qualify based on income.
A MiABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can use funds for therapy, medication, or other qualified expenses.
You can appeal the decision. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or legal aid organization. You may need to provide more medical evidence.
Yes, report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security or MDHHS. Failure to report can lead to overpayments and penalties.
