Depression Benefits in Michigan: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Michigan due to depression, you must meet both medical and financial criteria. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and assets. Both programs require that your depression is severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability, and your condition must match their criteria for mental disorders. Documentation from doctors and therapists is required.

• SSDI: Must have worked and paid Social Security taxes; generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• SSI: No work history needed; must have very low income and assets (under $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples in 2025).
• Both: Must be unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.

[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com]

In Michigan, adults with depression may qualify for additional state programs beyond federal benefits. The State Disability Assistance Program (SDA) provides cash help to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits. To be eligible for SDA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset limits. Michigan also offers Medicaid to SSI recipients and others with low income, which covers mental health services. Some people with depression may qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. Michigan residents may also receive a state supplement to their SSI payments, increasing their monthly benefit.

• SDA: For adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal disability benefits.
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients; others may qualify based on income.
• Medicaid Waivers: May provide extra support for mental health care and daily living.
• State SSI Supplement: Some Michigan residents get more than the federal SSI amount.

[Source: Michigan.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com]

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online.
• For SSI, apply at your local MDHHS office or online.
• For SDA, apply through MDHHS.
• Ask about Medicaid and ABLE accounts.
• Consider help from a benefits coach or attorney.

• Step 1: Get medical documentation from your doctor or therapist showing your depression diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Collect work history and pay stubs if applying for SSDI.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For SSI, you may also apply at your local MDHHS office.
• Step 4: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a disability attorney.
• Step 5: Apply for SDA at MDHHS if you do not qualify for federal benefits.
• Step 6: Apply for Medicaid through MDHHS if you have low income.
• Step 7: Ask about Medicaid waivers for extra support.
• Step 8: Consider opening an ABLE account for tax-free savings.
• Step 9: Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 10: Use work incentives to test employment without losing benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with depression who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with depression who have limited income and assets.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and others with low income.
• Ticket to Work: Helps you test employment without losing benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, Medicare.gov, Medicaid.gov]

• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for adults with depression who do not qualify for federal disability benefits.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and others with low income; covers mental health services.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Extra support for home and community-based services for people with depression.
• State SSI Supplement: Some Michigan residents get more than the federal SSI amount.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Helps with job training and employment support.
• Michigan Works!: Job search and training help.
• Veterans Affairs: Extra help for veterans with depression.

[Source: Michigan.gov, MDHHS, DisabilityLawGroup.com]

ABLE accounts let people with depression save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) in a tax-free account for disability-related expenses. Michigan residents can open an ABLE account through the Michigan ABLE program. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and more.

[Source: Michigan.gov, ABLE.gov]

• SSDI SGA Limit (2025): $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.
• SSI Income Limit (2025): $943 per month federal maximum for individuals; Michigan may add a state supplement.
• Asset Limits: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples for SSI.
• SDA: Income and asset limits vary; check with MDHHS.

[Source: SSA.gov, DisabilityLawGroup.com]

If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security or MDHHS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes in earnings, living situation, or medical status as soon as possible. Use the SSA online portal or call your local office. For SSI and SDA, report changes to MDHHS.

[Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-855-789-5610

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SDA, Medicaid.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-282-4882

  Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Website

  Job training and employment support.

• Can depression qualify for disability benefits in Michigan?

  Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must provide medical proof and meet financial requirements.

• What is the SGA limit for depression in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits.

• How much SSI can I get in Michigan in 2025?

  The federal SSI maximum in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals. Michigan may add a state supplement, so some residents get more.

• What is the State Disability Assistance Program (SDA) in Michigan?

  SDA is a state program that gives cash help to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal disability benefits. You must meet income and asset limits.

• Do I need a work history for SSI in Michigan?

  No, SSI is based on financial need, not work history. SSDI requires a work history and Social Security credits.

• Can I get both SSI and SSDI in Michigan?

  Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI financial requirements, you may get both. This is called concurrent benefits.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Michigan with depression?

  If you get SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Others can apply through MDHHS if they have low income and meet other requirements.