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Michigan • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Michigan, you may qualify for federal disability programs like SSDI and SSI, as well as state cash assistance and Medicaid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability: your condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months 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. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have very limited income and assets (less than $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples). SSI is not based on work history. The federal maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals, but some states, including Michigan, may add a small supplement. You must also be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen and reside in the U.S. [^1][^2][^3]
In Michigan, adults with heart disease may qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA), which provides cash assistance to eligible disabled adults. To qualify for SDA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash assistance from another state. Non-citizen eligibility varies by status and length of residency. SDA is not based on work history and is intended for those with limited income and resources. Michigan also offers Medicaid to SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients, providing critical health coverage. If you are the caretaker of a person with a disability or are age 65 or older, you may also be eligible for SDA. [^4][^7]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested benefits. Michigan residents can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid, up to certain limits. Learn more about Michigan ABLE accounts and how to open one. [^8]
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security or MDHHS. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Report changes promptly to avoid issues. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes. [^6]
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach for free help with work and benefits questions. They can guide you through the application process and explain how work affects your benefits.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI's financial requirements, you may receive both. This is called concurrent benefits and helps ensure you get enough support. [^2]
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is projected to be $1,530 per month. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI. [^1]
The federal maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals. Michigan may add a small supplement based on your living situation. [^2][^3]
Yes, work incentives allow some to earn extra income without immediately losing benefits. The SGA limit determines how much you can earn. [^1][^5]
SDA is cash assistance for eligible disabled adults in Michigan. It is not based on work history and is for those with limited income and resources. [^4][^7]
You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant to get SDA. Non-citizen eligibility varies by status and length of residency. [^4]
Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI or, if a parent is eligible, for benefits on a parent's Social Security record. [^5]
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.
Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. For SDA, contact your local MDHHS office or apply online. [^6][^7]
You will need medical records from your doctors, including test results, treatment plans, and statements about how your condition limits your ability to work. [^5]
Yes, most SSI and SDA recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid. Some SSDI recipients may also qualify based on income. [^2][^7]
