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Michigan • Sensory
If you are hard of hearing in Michigan, you may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and the Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA) program. This guide gives step-by-step details on eligibility, application steps, and key tips to manage your benefits to help you stay independent and secure.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) as someone hard of hearing, you must show your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent you from working at a ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA) level. For SSDI, you generally need at least 20 out of 40 work credits earned in the last 10 years[5]. For SSI, you do not need a work history—instead, you must have limited income (typically under $943/month for individuals in 2025) and assets (under $2,000 for individuals)[2][3]. Both programs require the same strict federal disability rules.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) also offers benefits for disabled adults whose disability began before age 22 (if a parent is deceased, disabled, or retired), and children who are hard of hearing may qualify for SSI if they meet income and resource limits[5].
In Michigan, the federal SSI maximum benefit is $943/month (2025), but you may get a small state supplement depending on your living situation[2][3]. If you are an adult with a disability and very low income, you may also qualify for cash assistance through the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program[4][6]. SDA eligibility requires you to live in Michigan, be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen, and not receive cash assistance from another state[4][6].
Medicaid eligibility in Michigan is based on income and disability status, and Michigan’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may fund hearing-related supports if you qualify for home and community-based services[internal_links]. Michigan does not offer a separate state disability program for sensory disabilities, but commonly routes people into federal and Medicaid/Medicare programs or the SDA program.
For SSI/SSDI:
For SDA:
For Medicaid:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays monthly benefits to people who have worked, paid Social Security taxes, and now have a disability (like severe hearing loss) that prevents them from working. The 2025 SGA limit is about $1,530/month for non-blind applicants; you cannot earn more without risking your benefits[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources (under $2,000/assets for individuals in 2025). The federal maximum is $943/month, but Michigan may add a small supplement[2][3]. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Michigan.
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are for adults with disabilities that began before age 22, who have parents receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits[5].
Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities and low income. Medicare may begin after 24 months of SSDI. Federal ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI eligibility.
State Disability Assistance (SDA) is Michigan’s main cash assistance program for adults with disabilities who do not qualify for enough federal benefits. SDA is available only to Michigan residents who meet strict income and asset requirements and some immigration criteria[4][6]. The amount is based on need and household size, but benefits are limited. SDA does not require a specific diagnosis—your medical condition just needs to meet the federal definition of disability.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Michigan offers Home and Community Based Services waivers, which may include some supports for people with sensory disabilities, though hearing-specific services are limited. These waivers can help people stay in their homes and communities instead of institutions.
No state-specific program exists for people who are hard of hearing, but Michigan agencies route people to federal and general disability programs. Check with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for the latest on local supports and any possible hearing-specific resources.
Michigan ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting your eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or SDA. Earnings grow tax-free, and money can be spent on qualified disability expenses. This can help you become more independent and save for assistive devices, like hearing aids. See our ABLE Accounts guide for more details.
SSI: In 2025, the federal limit is $943/month for individuals. Michigan may add a supplement for those living independently and paying their own rent[2][3]. SSDI: In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,530/month (SGA) without losing benefits[1]. SDA: Income and asset limits are strict and vary by household—see MDHHS for details[6].
If you get SSI, SSDI, or SDA, you must report changes in income, living situation, or resources. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you will have to repay. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for step-by-step help.
Michigan MDHHS must provide an interpreter if you need help in another language or for American Sign Language. Tell them when you apply or call your local office[4].
If you are denied SSI, SSDI, or SDA, you have 60 days to appeal. Gather strong medical records and consider getting legal help. Many people are approved after appealing[3].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,530/month (SGA) as a non-blind person and still qualify for SSDI. Earning more could affect your benefits[1].
Michigan provides a small state supplement to some SSI recipients, especially those living independently. The federal SSI maximum is $943/month (2025), but Michigan may add a little more depending on your situation[2][3].
No, you cannot get both SDA and SSI at the same time. SDA is only for those who do not qualify for SSI or whose SSI payment is not enough to meet basic needs[4].
Apply for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov. For SDA or Medicaid, apply online at Michigan’s MDHHS portal, by phone, or in person at your local MDHHS office[6]. Request an interpreter if needed[4].
Medicaid benefits may cover hearing aids, but coverage can vary. Contact MDHHS or check with your Medicaid plan for details.
You have the right to appeal. Gather strong medical evidence about your hearing loss and its impact on work. Legal help is available[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal or medical advice. Program rules and benefits can change. Always check with official sources or a benefits counselor for your personal situation.
Yes, open a Michigan ABLE account to save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, Medicaid, or SDA eligibility.
SDA is a small cash benefit for disabled Michigan adults with very low income and few assets who do not qualify for federal programs or whose federal payments are very low[6]. No separate program exists specifically for people who are hard of hearing.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have rules and incentives to help you try working without losing benefits right away. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
Legal aid, Disability Rights Michigan, and MDHHS offices can assist. You have a right to an interpreter if you need one[4].
