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Michigan • Sensory
If you are blind in Michigan, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and the State Disability Assistance Program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in the U.S., you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For blindness, this means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens, or a visual field limitation of 20 degrees or less. The SSA uses these criteria for both SSI and SSDI. For SSDI, you must have a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, financial need is the main factor, not work history. Both programs have annual income and resource limits, which are adjusted each year for inflation[1][2][5].
In Michigan, adults who are blind may qualify for the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program if they meet financial and residency requirements. SDA provides monthly cash assistance to eligible adults with disabilities, including blindness. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash assistance from another state. Michigan also offers a state supplement to SSI for some residents, which can increase your monthly benefit amount. Medicaid is automatically available to SSI recipients, and SSDI recipients may qualify for Medicare after a waiting period[2][4][7][8].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities, including blindness, to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other means-tested benefits. Michigan offers the MIABLE program. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and earnings grow tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation[8].
If your income, work, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and MDHHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits and how to report changes[6][8].
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach for free help with applications, work incentives, and reporting changes. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions[6].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for blind individuals is projected to be $2,550 per month in 2025. This means you can earn up to this amount and still qualify for SSDI benefits[1][5].
Yes, you may qualify for both SSI and SSDI if your SSDI payment is low and you meet the financial requirements for SSI. This is called concurrent benefits and can help make up the difference in your monthly income[2].
You can apply for the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program at your local MDHHS office or online through the MI Bridges portal. You must meet financial and residency requirements[4][7].
Yes, Michigan may provide a state supplement to SSI for some residents, which can increase your monthly benefit amount. Contact MDHHS for details on eligibility and amounts[2][3].
Blind individuals can earn more under SSDI and have access to work incentives like the Ticket to Work program. These incentives help you test employment without immediately losing benefits[1][6].
SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Michigan. SSDI recipients may qualify for Medicare after a waiting period, and some may also qualify for Medicaid based on income[2][8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Yes, people with blindness can open an ABLE account in Michigan. These accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses[8].
You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and MDHHS. Failure to report can result in overpayments and benefit reductions[6][8].
Children who are blind may qualify for SSI based on their parents’ income and resources. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits on a parent’s Social Security record[5].
The time to get a decision varies, but it can take several months. You can check the status of your application online or by calling Social Security[6].
