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Michigan • Chronic Illness
If you have diabetes 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. Each program has different rules for eligibility, income, and how diabetes is considered a qualifying disability.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with diabetes, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have enough work credits (usually 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, you must have limited income and assets, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Diabetes is considered a disability if it causes serious complications like vision loss, kidney disease, or nerve damage that limit your ability to work. Children with diabetes may also qualify if their condition meets the criteria for a disability.
Citations: [1], [2], [5]
In Michigan, adults with diabetes may qualify for the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program if they meet income and asset limits and are unable to work due to their condition. SDA is for those who do not qualify for federal disability benefits. Michigan also provides a small state supplement to SSI recipients, which can increase your monthly benefit. Medicaid is available to SSI recipients and others who meet income and disability requirements. Michigan’s rules for disability are similar to federal rules, but SDA has its own application and review process. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant and live in Michigan to qualify for SDA.
Citations: [2], [3], [4], [7]
Citations: [5], [6], [7]
Get Medical Records: Ask your doctor for records that show how diabetes limits your ability to work. Include test results, treatment plans, and notes on complications.
Check Eligibility: Review SSDI and SSI rules. SSDI requires work credits; SSI requires low income and assets. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify.
Apply for Federal Benefits: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Provide all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and work history.
Wait for Decision: The SSA will review your application. This can take several months. You may be asked for more information.
Appeal if Denied: If your application is denied, you can request a review or appeal. You have 60 days to appeal.
Apply for State Benefits: If you do not qualify for federal benefits, apply for SDA and Medicaid. You can apply online or at your local MDHHS office.
Report Changes: If your income, health, or living situation changes, report it to the SSA or MDHHS to avoid overpayments.
Get Help: Contact a Benefits Planner or a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach for help with your application.
Citations: [5], [6], [7]
Federal disability programs for diabetes in Michigan include:
Citations: [2], [5], [6]
State disability programs for diabetes in Michigan include:
Citations: [2], [3], [4], [7]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Michigan, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. Michigan offers tax benefits for ABLE account contributions.
Citations: [9]
In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals. The SSDI Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. SDA has its own income limits, which are lower than SSI. Michigan may provide a small state supplement to SSI, which can increase your monthly benefit.
Citations: [1], [2], [3]
You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to the SSA or MDHHS. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Citations: [6]
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach for free help with your application. They can answer questions about work and benefits.
Yes, diabetes can qualify as a disability if it causes serious complications that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration reviews your medical records to decide if your diabetes meets the criteria for a disability.
SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with low income and assets, regardless of work history. Both programs require proof that diabetes limits your ability to work.
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,530 per month and still qualify for SSDI if you are not blind. For SSI, the federal limit is $943 per month for individuals. SDA has its own, lower income limits.
Yes, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI if your SSDI payment is low and you meet the income and asset limits for SSI. This is called concurrent benefits.
Yes, Michigan offers a small state supplement to SSI recipients and may provide extra help through Medicaid and the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program for those who do not qualify for federal benefits.
You can apply for SSDI and SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For SDA and Medicaid, apply online or at your local MDHHS office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
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.
You must report changes in income to the SSA or MDHHS. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
Yes, children with diabetes may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the criteria for a disability. Children may also get benefits as dependents on a parent’s Social Security record.
The process can take several months. The SSA reviews your application and may ask for more information. If denied, you can appeal, which can take additional time.
SDA is a state program that provides cash assistance to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal disability benefits. You must meet income and asset limits and be unable to work due to your disability.
