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Michigan • Mental Health
Michigan offers federal disability benefits—SSI, SSDI, and State Disability Assistance (SDA)—for residents with Panic Disorder. You may also access Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts. With the right paperwork and medical evidence, you can apply online, by phone, or in person. This guide explains each program, eligibility, and how to get started.
To qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) with Panic Disorder, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability, proving your condition severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes[5][6]. For SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you don’t need a work history, but you must have very low income and assets—under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple in 2025[2]. SSI is available to U.S. citizens and some qualified non-citizens with disabilities, including Panic Disorder, as long as your symptoms meet the medical criteria and your income/assets are below federal limits[2].
Michigan’s State Disability Assistance (SDA) is for adults with disabilities who do not qualify for SSI/SSDI or whose benefits are too low. To be eligible, you must be a Michigan resident, a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and meet strict income and asset rules[4][7]. SDA is for those with no other cash assistance and who are not receiving benefits from another state. Michigan also offers a small supplement to the federal SSI payment for some residents, which can increase your monthly benefit above the $943 federal maximum for individuals in 2025[3]. If you have questions about your immigration status and program eligibility, contact your local MDHHS office for help in your preferred language[4].
Start by gathering all medical records showing your Panic Disorder diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your daily activities. Check if your income and assets meet the federal and state limits. Then, apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. For SDA, apply online via MDHHS or visit your local MDHHS office[2][6][7].
The main federal programs for Panic Disorder in Michigan are SSI and SSDI. SSI is for those with limited income/assets, while SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits[2][5][6]. Children with severe disabilities may also qualify for benefits on a parent’s record[5]. Both programs set strict medical criteria and review your situation regularly. Medicare and Medicaid may come with your disability benefits for health coverage[6].
Michigan’s primary state disability program is State Disability Assistance (SDA), which provides cash help to adults with disabilities who don’t qualify for SSI/SSDI or whose benefits are too low[4][7]. SDA has its own income/asset rules and application process. Some Michigan SSI recipients get an extra state supplement, raising their monthly payment above the federal maximum[3]. Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for mental health, including Panic Disorder, which can fund extra services like therapy, case management, and home-based care—check with MDHHS for waiver details and eligibility[8].
Michigan ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or SDA. Funds in ABLE accounts aren’t counted as assets for these programs. This is especially helpful for those managing Panic Disorder who want to save for future needs without risking benefits.
For more, see our ABLE Accounts guide.
In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for individuals ($1,415 for couples), but Michigan may pay a bit more for some[2][3]. SSDI does not have a strict income limit, but earnings above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—$1,530/month for non-blind individuals—may disqualify you[1]. SDA has separate Michigan income and asset limits; check with MDHHS for current figures[7].
If your income changes, report it immediately to SSA or MDHHS to prevent overpayments. Overpaid benefits must be repaid, but you can request a waiver if the error wasn’t your fault. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for steps to protect your benefits.
Some Michigan SSI recipients get a small extra state payment, increasing the federal $943/month maximum for 2025. The exact amount depends on your living situation. Check with MDHHS or a local advocate to see if you qualify for the supplement[3].
Yes, SSI is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. You must meet strict medical and financial rules, and have Panic Disorder that severely limits your daily activities[2].
SSDI requires work credits and taxes paid into Social Security, while SSI is based on financial need, not work history. Both require medical proof that Panic Disorder limits your ability to work. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for details.
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,530/month (SGA limit) and still qualify for SSDI. Earning more may make you ineligible. Blind individuals have a higher limit[1].
You can appeal. Many people are denied at first but win on appeal with strong medical evidence. Consider getting help from a lawyer or advocate familiar with Michigan’s rules.
Yes, in some cases. If your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI’s income/asset rules, you may get both (“concurrent benefits”) to raise your monthly support[2].
Yes, if your Panic Disorder causes severe functional limitations, you may qualify for Michigan Medicaid waivers that fund extra mental health services. Contact MDHHS for details[8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or benefits advice. Eligibility and benefit amounts may change. Always confirm current rules with official agencies.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or SDA eligibility. This is useful for unexpected costs related to mental health care.
Processing times vary, but initial decisions often take 3–5 months. Appeals can take much longer. Having complete medical records and responding quickly to requests helps speed up the process.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives. You can earn some income without losing benefits, but there are strict limits. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for details.
You can apply online, by phone, or in person. For free help, contact Michigan’s Disability Benefits 101, local legal aid, or a Benefits-to-Work Coach[6]. If you need an interpreter, MDHHS must provide one[4].
