HIV/AIDS Benefits in Michigan: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. HIV/AIDS is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 14.11, so if your medical records show advanced symptoms, you may automatically qualify. You need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes to get SSDI. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status.

• SSDI: Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. [^1]
• SSI: Must have very limited income and assets (under $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples). [^2]
• Both: Must meet SSA’s disability definition and be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. [^1][^2]

In Michigan, people with HIV/AIDS may qualify for additional state programs. The State Disability Assistance (SDA) program provides cash help to adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits. To get SDA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset limits. SDA is not available if you already receive cash assistance from another state. Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with care at home. If you are approved for SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in Michigan. [^2][^4]

• SDA: Must be disabled, meet income/asset limits, and live in Michigan. [^4]
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients; others may qualify based on income and disability. [^2]
• Medicaid Waivers: Available for those needing long-term care at home. [^2]

• Gather medical records showing HIV/AIDS diagnosis and symptoms.
• Check if you meet income and asset limits for SSI or work history for SSDI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• For SDA, apply through your local MDHHS office.
• For Medicaid, apply online at Michigan.gov/MIBridges or through your county office.

• Step 1: Get your medical records. You need proof of HIV/AIDS diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Decide which benefits to apply for. If you have a work history, apply for SSDI. If you have limited income and assets, apply for SSI. If you don’t qualify for federal benefits, consider SDA.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. [^1]
• Step 4: Apply for SDA. Visit your local MDHHS office or apply online at Michigan.gov/MIBridges. You’ll need to provide proof of disability, income, and residency. [^4]
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid. If you get SSI, you’ll automatically get Medicaid. Otherwise, apply online at Michigan.gov/MIBridges or through your county office. [^2]
• Step 6: Follow up. Keep copies of all applications and respond to any requests for more information. If denied, you can appeal. [^1][^2][^4]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals. [^1]
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based monthly payments. In 2025, the federal maximum is $943 per month for individuals. Some Michigan residents may get more due to state supplements. [^2]
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Automatic for SSI recipients. [^2]
• Medicare: Health coverage after 24 months of SSDI. [^2]

• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits. Must meet income and asset limits and live in Michigan. [^4]
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help people with disabilities get care at home instead of in institutions. Available to those who qualify based on income and need. [^2]
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS): Helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. [^7]
• Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP): Services for people who are blind or visually impaired. [^7]
• Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Centers: Job training and employment services. [^7]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) in a Michigan ABLE account. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and health care. Opening an account does not affect SSI or Medicaid as long as the balance is under $100,000. [^2]

• SSDI SGA Limit (2025): $1,530/month for non-blind, $2,550/month for blind. [^1]
• SSI Federal Maximum (2025): $943/month for individuals. [^2]
• SSI Asset Limit: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples. [^2]
• SDA: Must meet income and asset limits set by MDHHS. [^4]

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to SSA or MDHHS. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. [^2][^4]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and get help with benefits.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-855-275-6424

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Apply for SDA, Medicaid, and other state benefits.
• Michigan Disability Resources
  Phone: 1-800-282-4881

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Get help finding services and support.

• Can I get both SSI and SSDI with HIV/AIDS in Michigan?

  Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI’s income and asset limits, you may get both. This is called concurrent benefits. SSI can make up the difference if your SSDI is below the SSI maximum. [^2]

• How does HIV/AIDS qualify as a disability?

  HIV/AIDS is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. If your medical records show advanced symptoms, you may automatically qualify. You must prove your condition prevents you from working and will last at least 12 months. [^1]

• What is the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program?

  SDA is Michigan’s cash assistance program for adults with disabilities who don’t qualify for federal benefits. You must meet income and asset limits and live in Michigan. [^4]

• Do I get Medicaid automatically with SSI in Michigan?

  Yes, if you are approved for SSI in Michigan, you automatically qualify for Medicaid. Others may qualify based on income and disability. [^2]

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, there are work incentives. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,530/month (non-blind) without losing SSDI. SSI has different rules, but you can still work and get benefits. [^1][^2]

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

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000/year in 2025. [^2]