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Michigan • Rare/Genetic
Michigan offers medical, cash, and work support programs for people with disabilities, including rare conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This guide covers federal (SSI, SSDI), state (SDA, Medicaid), and saving options (ABLE accounts), with clear steps to apply and Michigan-specific tips.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, you must have worked enough years (usually 5 of the last 10) and paid Social Security taxes. Your disability must be severe enough to prevent full-time work for at least 12 months or be terminal. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you do not need a work history, but you must have limited income and assets (under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples, as of 2025)[2]. Both programs require medical proof that your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. Children under 18 with severe disabilities may qualify for SSI, and adults disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[5]. For all programs, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen and live in the United States; SSI has strict state residency rules.
In Michigan, you may also qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) if you are an adult with a disability (including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), are 65 or older, or care for someone with a disability, and have limited income and resources[4][7]. SDA is for those who do not qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must be a Michigan resident and a U.S. citizen or meet immigration requirements[4]. Michigan sometimes adds a small state supplement to the federal SSI payment, so some residents may receive slightly more than the $943 monthly maximum[3]. Medicaid eligibility in Michigan is automatic if you receive SSI, and you may also qualify based on income through Healthy Michigan or other Medicaid waivers. Always check with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for the latest state rules and possible state-specific waivers or programs.
Start by gathering your medical records, work history, and financial documents. For SSI, SSDI, or concurrent benefits, apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office[6]. For SDA or Medicaid, apply online at Michigan.gov/MDhhs, by phone, or in person at a local MDHHS office[7]. If you need help, contact a Michigan Benefits-to-Work Coach or a local legal aid office[6][4].
1. Collect Documentation: Gather medical records that detail your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis, treatments, and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Include work history, tax returns, and proof of income and assets. 2. Choose the Right Program: Use the SSI vs SSDI guide to decide which federal program fits your situation. Consider applying for both if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI financial limits[2]. 3. Apply Online, by Phone, or In Person: For SSI/SSDI, start your application at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213[6]. For Michigan SDA or Medicaid, apply at Michigan.gov/MDhhs or contact your local MDHHS office[7]. 4. Follow Up: Track your application status, respond to any requests for more information, and attend any required medical exams. If denied, you can appeal—consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate. 5. Report Changes: Once approved, report any changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and MDHHS to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide if you try working while on benefits[6]. 6. Explore Additional Support: If you have questions about work and benefits, call a Benefits-to-Work Coach at 1-800-772-1213. For Medicaid questions, call the Michigan Medicaid Beneficiary Helpline at 1-800-642-3195[6].
The main federal programs for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Michigan are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly payments if you have a sufficient work history and a disability that prevents full-time employment[1][6]. SSI is for those with limited income and assets, regardless of work history[2]. Both programs require medical proof of a disabling condition. Children with severe disabilities may qualify for SSI, and adults disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI on a parent’s record[5]. You can sometimes receive both SSI and SSDI (concurrent benefits) if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI financial rules[2]. SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which covers many medical needs[2]. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefit eligibility. Always use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide if you want to try working while receiving benefits[6].
Michigan offers State Disability Assistance (SDA), a state-funded cash benefit for adults with disabilities (including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), those 65 or older, or caretakers of disabled individuals who do not qualify for federal programs[4][7]. SDA has income and asset limits similar to SSI. You must be a Michigan resident and a U.S. citizen or meet specific immigration requirements[4]. Some Michigan residents may receive a small state supplement to the federal SSI payment[3]. Michigan’s Medicaid program covers SSI recipients automatically and offers additional pathways based on income, including the Healthy Michigan Plan. The state also participates in Medicaid waivers (HCBS) that provide home- and community-based services for people with disabilities—check the Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide for details. For veterans with disabilities, Michigan offers additional benefits and services through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. If you have questions or need help applying, contact your local MDHHS office or a legal aid organization. State-specific information is limited; start here: Michigan.gov/MDhhs and Michigan.gov/disabilityresources[7][8].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) save up to a certain amount each year without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, health, and other disability-related expenses. Michigan residents can open an ABLE account through any state’s ABLE program—see the ABLE Accounts guide for details.
In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for individuals (slightly higher for some in Michigan)[2][3]. The SSDI Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals—earning more may affect eligibility[1]. SDA and Medicaid have their own income limits, which can change yearly. Always check current figures before applying.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and MDHHS. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips on staying compliant and what to do if you receive too much[6].
Michigan’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may cover home- and community-based services for people with rare, disabling conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Check the Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) guide for eligibility and covered services.
Local legal aid offices, Benefits-to-Work Coaches, and Michigan Legal Help can assist with applications, appeals, and understanding complex benefit rules—especially if your case involves a rare genetic disorder. Free or low-cost help is available if you speak limited English or have questions about immigration status[4][6].
If you receive SSI or Medicaid, an ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Explore the ABLE Accounts guide to see how this can help with medical bills, housing, education, and more.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI’s strict income and asset limits, you may receive both (concurrent benefits). This is common for people with limited work history or low earnings[2].
The federal SSI limit is $943 per month for individuals. Michigan may add a small supplement, so some residents receive slightly more[2][3]. Income and asset limits apply to both SSI and SDA.
Start online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or Michigan.gov/MDhhs for SDA and Medicaid. You can also apply by phone or in person. Gather medical and financial records before you start[6][7].
You can appeal the decision. Many applicants are denied at first but win on appeal with the right evidence. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate.
If you receive SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Michigan. If you receive only SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid through other pathways, like the Healthy Michigan Plan[2].
Yes, but your earnings must stay below program limits. SSI & SSDI have work incentives and special rules—check the Work Incentives guide for details[1][6].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Always consult official state and federal agencies for eligibility and application details. Benefit rules and amounts can change. Report all changes in income, health, or living situation promptly to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits. You can use any state’s ABLE program. See the ABLE Accounts guide for more.
Children with severe disabilities may qualify for SSI. Adults disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[5].
Contact your local MDHHS office, a Benefits-to-Work Coach, or a legal aid organization. Interpreters and multilingual applications are available if needed[4][6].
Report any changes to Social Security and MDHHS. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits correct[6]. See the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
