Dyslexia Benefits in Michigan: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have a disability that limits your ability to work, have very limited income and assets, and meet citizenship requirements. SSI is not based on work history.
• For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying disability and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). SSDI is for those who have paid Social Security taxes.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death.
• For 2025, the SGA limit is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect eligibility.
• Children with severe dyslexia may qualify for SSI if they meet the SSA's childhood disability criteria.
• Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent's work record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025 SGA limits, 2025-11-06]

• In Michigan, SSI recipients may receive a small state supplement, increasing their monthly benefit slightly above the federal maximum.
• The federal SSI maximum for 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Some Michigan residents may receive more due to the state supplement.
• To qualify for SSI in Michigan, you must be disabled, have limited income and assets (less than $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples), and be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• Michigan's State Disability Assistance (SDA) program provides cash aid to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits. SDA has its own income and asset limits.
• SSI recipients in Michigan are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which covers health care costs.
• Michigan residents may also qualify for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for additional support services if they meet eligibility requirements.

[Source: Michigan.gov, Michigan Legal Help, 2025-11-06]

• Gather medical records showing your dyslexia diagnosis and how it limits your daily life or work.
• Collect proof of income, assets, and citizenship.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Apply for Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA) through your local MDHHS office.
• Contact Michigan Rehabilitation Services for help with work and benefits planning.

[Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov, 2025-11-06]

• Step 1: Get a formal diagnosis and documentation from a qualified professional (doctor, psychologist, or educational specialist) showing how dyslexia affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
• Step 2: Collect all necessary documents: proof of identity, Social Security number, medical records, income statements, and asset information.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office. Complete the application and submit all required documents.
• Step 4: If applying for SDA, contact your local MDHHS office or apply online through the Michigan Web Portal. Provide proof of disability, income, and residency.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days. You may want to seek help from a disability attorney or advocate.
• Step 6: If approved, you will receive monthly benefits and may be eligible for Medicaid or other state programs.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

[Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov, Michigan Legal Help, 2025-11-06]

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. In 2025, the federal maximum is $943 per month for individuals.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on your earnings record.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. SSI recipients are automatically eligible.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
• Work Incentives: Programs that allow people with disabilities to work and earn income while keeping some benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06]

• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits. SDA has its own eligibility requirements and payment amounts.
• Michigan Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with dyslexia if they meet eligibility criteria.
• Michigan ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, allowing them to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Provides job training, counseling, and support for people with disabilities who want to work.
• Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Centers: Offer employment services and support for job seekers with disabilities.

[Source: Michigan.gov, Michigan Legal Help, 2025-11-06]

• Michigan offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account (2025 limit).
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support.
• Contact Michigan ABLE for more information and to open an account.

[Source: Michigan.gov, 2025-11-06]

• For SSI in 2025, the federal maximum is $943 per month for individuals. Michigan may add a small state supplement.
• The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals.
• SDA has its own income and asset limits, which are generally lower than SSI.
• Earning above these limits may affect your eligibility for benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov, 2025-11-06]

• You must report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to the Social Security Administration 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.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options.

[Source: SSA.gov, Michigan.gov, 2025-11-06]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
  Phone: 1-855-275-6424

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For SDA, Medicaid, and other state benefits.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 1-800-282-4480

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For work and benefits planning.

• Can dyslexia qualify for SSI or SSDI in Michigan?

  Yes, if dyslexia severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet the SSA's definition of disability and other eligibility requirements.

• What is the SSI income limit in Michigan for 2025?

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

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Michigan?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For SDA, contact your local MDHHS office. Gather medical records and proof of income and assets.

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, work incentives allow you to earn income while keeping some benefits. The SGA limit for 2025 is projected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.

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

  SDA is a state program that provides cash assistance to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits. It has its own eligibility requirements and payment amounts.

• Are SSI recipients eligible for Medicaid in Michigan?

  Yes, SSI recipients in Michigan are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage for people with disabilities.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?