Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in Michigan

To qualify for federal disability benefits with PTSD, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. This means your PTSD symptoms must be severe enough to stop you from working full-time and are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet the work history requirements for SSDI or the income and asset limits for SSI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records, work history, and how your PTSD affects daily life. If approved, you may receive monthly cash payments and access to health coverage like Medicare or Medicaid.

• SSDI: For those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• SSI: For those with limited income and assets, regardless of work history.
• Both programs require proof of disability from a doctor or mental health professional.

For 2025, the federal SSI maximum is $943 per month for an individual. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is expected to rise to $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals, allowing more people to test work without losing benefits[1][2][3].

In Michigan, adults with PTSD may qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) if they meet income and asset limits and are not eligible for other state cash programs. SDA provides monthly cash help to disabled adults, those 65+, or caretakers of disabled individuals. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant and live in Michigan. Non-citizen adults must have permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more. SDA is not available to those who refuse to share immigration status.

Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services. These waivers help people with PTSD live independently and get support for daily living. Michigan residents receiving SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which covers mental health treatment and therapy[2][4][7].

• Gather medical records showing your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Check if you meet SSDI work history or SSI income/asset limits.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• For SDA, apply through your local MDHHS office.
• Ask a Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach for help with work and benefits questions.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional. Make sure your records show how PTSD limits your daily activities and work.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSDI (work history) or SSI (income/assets). Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check your eligibility.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for SDA at your local MDHHS office.
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. The SSA may ask for more information or schedule a medical exam.
• Step 6: If approved, you will receive monthly payments and may be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: For ongoing support, contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach or your local legal services office[2][4][5][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based program for those with limited income and assets. The 2025 federal maximum is $943 per month for an individual.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months of disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients with low income[2][3][5].

• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for disabled adults, those 65+, or caretakers of disabled individuals. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and immigration status.
• Medicaid Waivers: Home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with PTSD. These waivers help with daily living and mental health support.
• Michigan ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS): Job training and support for people with disabilities who want to work.
• Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP): Support for people with vision impairments and other disabilities[4][7][8].

Michigan offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. To open an account, visit the Michigan ABLE website or call 1-800-803-7174 for help[8].

• SSDI: The 2025 SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits.
• SSI: The 2025 federal maximum is $943 per month for an individual. Michigan may add a small state supplement.
• SDA: Income and asset limits apply. Contact your local MDHHS office for details[1][2][3][4].

You must report any changes in your income, work, or living situation to the SSA or MDHHS. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan. For help, use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842[5][6].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm

  Website

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

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Apply for SDA, Medicaid, and other state programs.
• Michigan Benefit-to-Work (B2W) Coach
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm

  Website

  Free help with work and benefits questions.

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in Michigan?

  Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to stop you from working full-time and is expected to last at least 12 months. You can apply for SSDI, SSI, or State Disability Assistance (SDA) if you meet the eligibility rules[2][4][7].

• How much money can I get for PTSD disability in Michigan?

  The federal SSI maximum is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. SSDI payments depend on your work history. Michigan may add a small state supplement to SSI. SDA payments vary based on income and assets[2][3][4].

• Can I work and still get PTSD disability benefits?

  Yes, you can work and still get benefits if your income stays below the SGA limit. In 2025, this is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. Working may affect your benefits, so report any changes to the SSA[1][5].

• Do I need a work history to get PTSD disability in Michigan?

  For SSDI, yes, you need a work history. For SSI and SDA, you do not need a work history, but you must meet income and asset limits[2][4].

• What medical records do I need for a PTSD disability claim?

  You need records from a doctor or mental health professional showing your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Include treatment history and any therapy notes[2][5].

• Can I get Medicaid with PTSD disability in Michigan?

  Yes, SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid. SSDI recipients may qualify if they have low income. Medicaid covers mental health treatment and therapy for PTSD[2][7].