Kidney Disease Benefits in Michigan: 2025 Guide

• 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. For younger people, fewer credits may be needed.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• The SSA considers kidney disease a qualifying disability if it meets specific medical criteria, such as chronic kidney disease with certain lab results or need for dialysis.
• 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. Earning above these amounts may affect eligibility.
• Children with kidney disease may qualify for benefits if their parent is disabled, retired, or deceased.
• Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits based on a parent's record.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications, SSA Who Can Get Disability

• In Michigan, adults with kidney disease may qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA), which provides cash assistance to eligible disabled adults.
• To be eligible 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 adults must have permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more, or be asylees, refugees, certified victims of human trafficking, or Cuban/Haitian entrants.
• SDA is not available to those who refuse to share immigration status.
• SDA can help cover basic living expenses and is often used alongside federal disability programs.
• Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers and other support programs for people with chronic illnesses like kidney disease.

Sources: Michigan State Disability Assistance, Michigan Legal Help SDA Overview

• Check if you meet federal SSDI/SSI criteria based on work history and income.
• Gather medical records showing your kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• For State Disability Assistance (SDA), apply through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) online or at a local office.
• Consider applying for Medicaid and other state programs for extra support.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI on the SSA website. SSDI requires work credits; SSI is for those with low income and resources.
• Step 2: Collect medical evidence, including lab results, dialysis records, and doctor's notes related to your kidney disease.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The application will ask for personal, medical, and work history.
• Step 4: If approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid. Apply for Medicaid through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) online or at a local office.
• Step 5: For State Disability Assistance (SDA), apply through MDHHS. You'll need to provide proof of disability, residency, and immigration status if applicable.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts for extra financial support.

Sources: SSA How to Apply, Michigan SDA Application

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payments are based on your work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI for most people. Covers medical costs, including dialysis and kidney transplants.
• Medicaid: Available to those with low income and resources, often alongside SSI.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work and PASS allow some to work and keep benefits.

Sources: SSA Disability Benefits, SSA Medicare

• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Provides cash assistance to eligible disabled adults in Michigan. Payments help cover basic living expenses.
• Medicaid Waivers: Michigan offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with chronic illnesses, including kidney disease. These can cover home care, transportation, and other supports.
• Michigan ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including those with kidney disease. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
• Other Programs: Michigan offers housing assistance, food assistance, and transportation programs for people with disabilities.

Sources: Michigan SDA, Michigan Medicaid Waivers, Michigan ABLE Accounts

• Michigan ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Up to $16,000 can be contributed per year, and account balances do not count toward SSI resource limits.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, housing, and education.
• To open an account, visit the Michigan ABLE website and complete the application.

Sources: Michigan ABLE Accounts

• For SSDI 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.
• For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Michigan may have additional state supplements.
• Earning above these limits may affect eligibility for benefits.
• Work incentives allow some to earn more while keeping benefits.

Sources: SSA SGA Limits, SSA SSI Limits

• You must report changes in income, work, or medical status to the SSA and MDHHS to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions.
• Reporting changes promptly helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.
• Use the SSA online portal or contact your local office to report changes.

Sources: SSA Reporting Changes, MDHHS Reporting Changes

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits and questions.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-855-275-6424

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For SDA, Medicaid, and other state programs.

• Can I get SSDI for kidney disease in Michigan?

  Yes, if your kidney disease meets SSA medical criteria and you have enough work credits. Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, or transplant can qualify. Apply through SSA.gov or your local office.

• What is State Disability Assistance (SDA) in Michigan?

  SDA is cash assistance for disabled adults in Michigan. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash aid from another state.

• How much can I earn and still get SSDI in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your SSDI eligibility.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for kidney disease?

  Yes, work incentives allow some to earn income while keeping benefits. The SGA limit determines how much you can earn before benefits stop.

• What medical evidence do I need for kidney disease benefits?

  You need lab results, dialysis records, doctor's notes, and other medical records showing your kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.

• Can children with kidney disease get benefits in Michigan?

  Yes, children may qualify for SSI or DAC benefits if their parent is disabled, retired, or deceased. They must meet SSA disability criteria.

• How do I apply for Medicaid with kidney disease in Michigan?