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Michigan • Chronic Illness
If you have fibromyalgia in Michigan, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs such as Medicaid and State Disability Assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with fibromyalgia, you must show that your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security work credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and assets, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof that fibromyalgia severely limits your daily activities and ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records, doctor’s notes, and work history to decide if you meet their definition of disability.
Learn more about federal eligibility
2025 Income Limits:
Example: If fibromyalgia causes chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues that make full-time work impossible, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI.
In Michigan, people with fibromyalgia may also qualify for state disability programs and extra help. The State Disability Assistance (SDA) program offers cash aid to adults with disabilities who don’t qualify for federal benefits. To get SDA, you must be a Michigan resident, have a disability, and meet income and asset limits. SDA is not based on work history and can help those who don’t qualify for SSDI or SSI.
Michigan also offers Medicaid to people with disabilities, which covers health care costs. If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. If you get SSDI, you may qualify after a 24-month waiting period.
Some Michigan residents may get a state supplement to their SSI payment, making their total monthly benefit higher than the federal maximum. Local agencies can help you apply and explain your options.
Example: If fibromyalgia limits your ability to work and you have low income, you might get SDA and Medicaid even if you don’t qualify for federal disability benefits.
Apply for SSI/SSDI Apply for SDA Find a Benefit-to-Work Coach
Tip: Keep copies of all forms and letters. Follow up if you don’t hear back in a few weeks.
Learn more about federal programs
Learn about Michigan SDA Learn about Medicaid Waivers Learn about ABLE Accounts
Example: If fibromyalgia limits your ability to work and you have low income, you might get SDA, Medicaid, and Medicaid waivers for home care services.
Michigan offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These are tax-advantaged savings accounts that let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use ABLE funds for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation.
Learn about Michigan ABLE accounts
Learn about SSI income limits Learn about SSDI SGA limits
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security or MDHHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems.
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach or your local legal aid office for free help with your application. They can explain your options and help you fill out forms.
Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work and you meet the program’s medical and financial requirements. You must provide medical proof and show that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months.
SSI is for people with disabilities and low income, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require medical proof that fibromyalgia limits your ability to work.
In 2025, the federal SSI maximum is $943/month for individuals. SSDI payments vary based on your work history. The SGA limit for SSDI is expected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet the income and asset limits for SSI, you may get both. This is called concurrent benefits and can help make up the difference.
SDA is a state program that offers cash aid to adults with disabilities who don’t qualify for federal benefits. It’s based on income and asset limits, not work history, and can help those with fibromyalgia who have low income.
If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. If you get SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid after a 24-month waiting period. Medicaid covers health care costs for people with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to start your SSI or SSDI application. Apply for SDA online or at your local MDHHS office. Ask about Medicaid when you apply.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Michigan offers ABLE accounts, and you can use the funds for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security or MDHHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Report changes as soon as possible.
You can get help from a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach, local legal aid office, or your county human services agency. They can help you understand your options and fill out forms.
