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Michigan • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Michigan, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program. Eligibility depends on how your asthma limits your ability to work and your financial situation.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions, including asthma, to decide if your disability meets their standards. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. If your asthma is so severe that you cannot work, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. You do not need a work history for SSI. The federal maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals. If your asthma limits your ability to work and you have low income, you may qualify for SSI.
Children with asthma may also qualify for benefits if their condition is severe and meets SSA's definition of disability. Adults with asthma that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
In Michigan, adults with asthma may qualify for the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program if they are disabled and do not qualify for federal disability benefits. SDA provides cash assistance to eligible adults with disabilities. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash assistance from another state. Non-citizen adults must have permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more. Asylees, refugees, and some other categories of immigrants are also eligible.
Michigan residents with asthma may also qualify for Medicaid if they have low income and meet the state's disability criteria. Medicaid can help cover medical costs for asthma treatment, including medications and doctor visits. If you are approved for SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Michigan.
Source: Michigan.gov SDA, 2025-11-06, Michigan Legal Help, 2025-11-06
Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, Michigan.gov SDA, 2025-11-06, Michigan Legal Help, 2025-11-06
Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, DisabilityLawGroup, 2025-11-06, GrechLawFirm, 2025-11-06
Source: Michigan.gov SDA, 2025-11-06, Michigan Legal Help, 2025-11-06, Michigan Catholic Conference, 2025-11-06
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In Michigan, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions to an ABLE account do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid eligibility. The account can be used for expenses like medical care, education, and housing.
Source: DisabilityLawGroup, 2025-11-06, GrechLawFirm, 2025-11-06
If your income or health changes, you must report it to SSA or MDHHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than the SGA limit or if your disability improves. Reporting changes promptly can help you avoid penalties and repayment of benefits. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact SSA or MDHHS to discuss your options.
Contact your local MDHHS office or a legal services office for help with your application. They can provide advice and help you understand your options.
Yes, asthma can qualify for disability benefits in Michigan if it is severe enough to prevent you from working. You may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or SDA depending on your work history, income, and assets.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. You may qualify for both if your SSDI payment is low.
The federal maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals. Some Michigan residents may receive a slightly higher amount depending on their living arrangements.
Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is projected to be $1,530 per month.
SDA provides cash assistance to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal disability benefits. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash assistance from another state.
Yes, children with asthma may qualify for disability benefits if their condition is severe and meets SSA's definition of disability. Adults with asthma that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's Social Security record.
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.
If you have low income and a qualifying disability, you can apply for Medicaid through MI Bridges. If you are approved for SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Michigan.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. You can use the account for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing.
If your asthma improves and you can work again, you must report any changes in your income or health to SSA or MDHHS. This can help you avoid overpayments and penalties.
Yes, you may be eligible for both SSI and SSDI if your SSDI payment is low and you meet the financial requirements for SSI. SSI can help make up the difference if your SSDI payment is below the maximum SSI threshold.
