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Michigan • Speech/Language
People with stuttering in Michigan may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid and State Disability Assistance (SDA). Eligibility depends on how stuttering affects your ability to work and your financial situation. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to manage your payments.
To get federal disability benefits for stuttering, you must show that your condition makes it hard to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how stuttering affects your ability to communicate, do your job, and earn a living. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security taxes paid. For SSI, you need limited income and assets, and you do not need a work history. Both programs require medical proof that stuttering is severe and expected to last at least 12 months. The SSA uses a list of impairments, but even if stuttering is not listed, you can still qualify if it stops you from working. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get SSDI. SSI has lower income limits and is based on need. Both programs may require regular medical updates.
In Michigan, people with stuttering may also qualify for state programs like Medicaid and State Disability Assistance (SDA). Medicaid gives health coverage to those with low income and assets. SDA is for adults with disabilities who have very low income and few assets. To get SDA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset rules. Michigan may also pay a small supplement to SSI recipients. If you get SSI, you automatically get Medicaid. If you get SSDI, you may get Medicaid after 24 months, or sooner if you have low income. Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with therapy and support.
Step 1: Talk to your doctor about how stuttering affects your work. Get medical records that show your diagnosis and treatment.
Step 2: Check if you meet federal rules for SSDI (work history) or SSI (low income and assets).
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You will need your Social Security number, medical records, and work history.
Step 4: If you get SSI, you will automatically get Medicaid. If you get SSDI, you may need to apply for Medicaid separately.
Step 5: For state help, apply for State Disability Assistance (SDA) through the Michigan Web Portal or your local MDHHS office. You will need proof of disability, income, and assets.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and MDHHS. This helps avoid overpayments.
Step 7: If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach or legal aid.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for those with low income and assets. In 2025, the federal maximum is $943 per month for individuals.
Medicaid: Health coverage for those with low income. Automatic with SSI, may be available with SSDI after 24 months.
Medicare: Health coverage for those with SSDI after 24 months.
Family Benefits: Spouses and children may get benefits if the disabled person gets SSDI.
State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash for adults with disabilities who have very low income and few assets. In Michigan, SDA is for those who do not get SSDI or SSI, or who get low amounts. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset rules.
Medicaid Waivers: Extra help for therapy, home care, and support services. Available for those with low income and assets.
Michigan SSI Supplement: Small extra payment for SSI recipients in Michigan.
Michigan Works!: Job training and support for people with disabilities.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Michigan, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid. The 2025 annual contribution limit is $18,000. Michigan may also offer a state tax deduction for contributions.
SSDI SGA Limit (2025): $1,620 per month for most people.
SSI Federal Maximum (2025): $943 per month for individuals.
SDA Income Limits: Very low, based on need and assets.
ABLE Account Limit (2025): $18,000 per year.
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and MDHHS. This helps avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible. You can report online, by phone, or in person.
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach or Michigan Legal Help for free advice and support with your application.
Yes, if stuttering severely limits your ability to work or communicate, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical proof and must meet income or work rules.
SSI is for those with low income and assets, no work history needed. SSDI is for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of disability.
SSI pays up to $943 per month in 2025. SSDI pays based on your work history. SDA pays a small amount for those with very low income.
Yes, you must report changes to Social Security and MDHHS. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits correct.
Yes, you can work up to the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025) without losing SSDI. SSI has lower limits. Work incentives help you test your ability to work.
Michigan offers Medicaid, State Disability Assistance (SDA), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. These help with health, cash, therapy, and savings.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official government websites for the most current rules and eligibility.
Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. For state programs, use the Michigan Web Portal or local MDHHS office.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI income and asset rules, you may get both. This is called concurrent benefits.
You can appeal the decision. Ask for help from a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach or legal aid. You have 60 days to file an appeal.
You do not need a lawyer, but legal help can improve your chances. Michigan Legal Help offers free advice and help with appeals.
