If you are Deaf in Michigan, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid waivers, and State Disability Assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you are Deaf, you must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. SSDI is for people who have paid Social Security taxes and now have a disability that prevents them from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide if your condition is severe enough to keep you from working. For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings are above this, you may not qualify for SSDI. Children who are Deaf may also qualify for benefits if their parent is receiving Social Security benefits [5].
In Michigan, adults who are Deaf may qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) if they meet income and disability requirements. SDA is for adults with disabilities who are not eligible for federal disability benefits. 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 with permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more are eligible. Asylees and refugees are also eligible. SDA provides cash assistance to help with basic needs. You can apply online or at your local MDHHS office. If you need help with the application, you can request an interpreter or bring your own [3][7].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for benefits. Michigan offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities. You can use these accounts for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Learn more about Michigan ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_links].
For SSDI in 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. State-specific limits may apply for SDA and other programs [5].
If your income or circumstances change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work, living situation, or marital status. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_links].
If you need help with your application, contact your local MDHHS office or a disability attorney. They can guide you through the process and help you appeal if denied.
Yes, Deafness can qualify for SSDI if it meets SSA's medical criteria and you have enough work credits. The SSA will review your medical records and work history to determine eligibility [5].
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. If your earnings are above this, you may not qualify for SSDI [5].
You can apply for SDA online or at your local MDHHS office. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and disability requirements [3][7].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits, but eligibility criteria differ [internal_links].
Yes, you can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing SSDI benefits. In 2025, the limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals [5].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation [internal_links].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, you must report changes in income, work, living situation, or marital status to avoid overpayments. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits [internal_links].
Michigan offers State Disability Assistance, Medicaid waivers, and various support programs for people with disabilities. You can also access resources and information through the Michigan Disability Resources website [6][7].
Yes, non-citizens with permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more, asylees, and refugees may be eligible for SDA. Other categories of immigrants may also qualify [3].
It may take several months to get a decision on a disability application. If you are denied, you have 60 days to appeal the decision [2].
