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Michigan • Physical/Mobility
People with Muscular Dystrophy in Michigan may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and State Disability Assistance. Eligibility depends on work history, income, and medical severity. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to keep them.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Both programs require that your condition stops you from doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which means earning above a certain monthly limit. In 2025, the SGA limit for most people is expected to be $1,530 per month, and $2,550 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits if their parent is receiving Social Security or if they meet certain rules.
In Michigan, adults with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) if they meet income and disability rules. SDA is for adults who are disabled and cannot work, and who do not qualify for federal disability benefits. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and not receive cash assistance from another state. SDA is not available to people who refuse to share their immigration status. Non-citizen adults must have permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more. Asylees, refugees, and some other immigrants may also qualify. SDA can help cover basic living costs for people who do not get SSDI or SSI.
Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI, SSI, and SDA. SSDI requires work credits; SSI requires low income and resources; SDA is for adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal benefits.
Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and proof of identity.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Apply for SDA online at Michigan.gov or at your local MDHHS office.
Step 4: Wait for a decision. The process can take several months.
Step 5: If denied, you have 60 days to appeal. You can get help from a disability attorney or legal aid.
Step 6: If approved, report any changes in income or medical status to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Ask about work incentives and benefits planning if you want to try working.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with low income and resources.
Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Benefits for adults whose disability started before age 22, paid on a parent’s Social Security record.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025)
State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for adults with disabilities who do not qualify for federal disability benefits. SDA helps cover basic living costs.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS): Job training and support for people with disabilities.
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP): Support for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center: Employment services for people with disabilities.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency: Benefits for veterans with disabilities.
Michigan: Work Preparation (2025)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Michigan residents can open an ABLE account through the Michigan ABLE program. Contributions are limited each year, and there are tax benefits. ABLE accounts can help you plan for the future while keeping your benefits.
SSDI SGA Limit (2025): $1,530 per month for most people, $2,550 for blind individuals.
SSI Income Limit (2025): $943 per month for an individual, $1,415 for a couple.
SDA Income Limit: Varies by household size and other factors; check with MDHHS for current limits.
SSA: SGA Limits (2025)
SSA: SSI Payment Amounts (2025)
Michigan: SDA Income Limits (2025)
If your income or medical condition changes, you must report it to Social Security or MDHHS. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Overpayments must be repaid, but you can ask for a waiver if you cannot afford to pay. Always keep records of your income and medical status. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems.
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach for free help with disability benefits and work planning. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs help people with disabilities, but the rules are different.
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. In 2025, this is $1,530 per month for most people. Work incentives let you try working without losing benefits right away.
You can apply for SDA online at Michigan.gov or at your local MDHHS office. You will need to provide proof of disability, income, and identity. The process can take several weeks.
Muscular Dystrophy is listed as a qualifying condition. The Social Security Administration uses a list of impairments to decide if a condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits.
Yes, children may qualify for SSI or for benefits on a parent’s Social Security record. The rules are different for children and adults.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
It can take several months to get a decision. If you are denied, you can appeal within 60 days. The process can take longer if you appeal.
You do not need a lawyer, but legal help can make the process easier, especially if you are denied and want to appeal. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis.
You must report changes in income to Social Security or MDHHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits.
Some immigrants can get SSI, SSDI, or SDA. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant. Non-citizen adults must have permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more.
