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Michigan • Neurological/Developmental
People with cerebral palsy in Michigan may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and State Disability Assistance (SDA). Eligibility depends on age, work history, income, and disability severity. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Michigan, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. For adults, this means a medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Cerebral palsy is considered a qualifying disability if it meets these criteria.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, earning enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). There is no asset limit, but your income must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals [1].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This is for people with limited income and assets. In 2025, the federal maximum SSI benefit is $943 per month for an individual. You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (or $3,000 for couples) [2].
Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Adults with cerebral palsy that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent's Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. The adult must be unmarried and not have substantial earnings (over $1,620 per month in 2025) [5].
In Michigan, adults with cerebral palsy may also qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA), which provides cash aid to disabled adults who do not qualify for federal benefits. SDA is for those who are U.S. citizens or qualified legal immigrants, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset limits. SDA does not require a work history, but you cannot receive cash assistance from another state [4].
Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services. These waivers are for those who meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. Medicaid is automatically provided to SSI recipients in Michigan [2].
Some Michigan residents may receive a state supplement to their SSI payments, increasing the total monthly benefit [3].
If you are a child with cerebral palsy, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits based on a parent's record. Children's benefits can continue into adulthood if the disability began before age 22 and the adult remains unmarried [5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Michigan, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Contributions do not count as income for SSI, and up to $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count as a resource for SSI. For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center or your state's ABLE program website [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
If your income, living situation, or health changes, you must report it to SSA or MDHHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems. For more information, see the SSA guide on reporting changes and avoiding overpayments [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Applying for disability benefits can be complex. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate. Many offer free consultations and can help you gather documents and complete forms.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet the financial requirements for SSI, you may receive both benefits. This is called concurrent benefits and can help make up the difference if your SSDI payment is below the SSI maximum [2].
The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits [1].
You can apply for SDA online through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website or at a local MDHHS office. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset limits [4][6].
Yes, children with cerebral palsy may qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits based on a parent's record. Benefits can continue into adulthood if the disability began before age 22 and the adult remains unmarried [5].
The federal maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Some Michigan residents may receive a small state supplement, increasing the total monthly benefit [2][3].
No, SSI is based on financial need, not work history. You must have limited income and assets to qualify. SSDI, on the other hand, requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes [2].
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.
A Medicaid waiver is a program that helps pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers are for those who meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements and can help with services like personal care, respite care, and supported employment [2].
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to try returning to work without immediately losing all benefits. The SGA limit determines how much you can earn while still qualifying for SSDI. For SSI, some earned income is not counted, and you can keep Medicaid coverage even if you work [1][9].
SSI is for people with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI payments are usually lower than SSDI payments, and SSI recipients automatically get Medicaid [2].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to SSA or MDHHS as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. For more information, see the SSA guide on reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
