If you have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Michigan, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Michigan, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and have a disability that meets federal standards. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as a condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the SSA’s disability definition. SSI does not require work history. In 2025, the federal SSI maximum is $943 per month for individuals, and SSDI payments vary based on your work record. Both programs use the same medical criteria for disability, including traumatic brain injury.
In Michigan, adults with traumatic brain injury may also qualify for the State Disability Assistance (SDA) program. SDA provides cash help to disabled adults who do not get other state cash benefits. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant, live in Michigan, and meet income and asset limits. SDA is not based on work history. Michigan also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services. If you get SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Michigan. Some people with TBI may qualify for both SSI and SSDI, or for SSI and SDA, depending on their income and resources. Michigan may add a small state supplement to SSI payments for some recipients.
Step 1: Get your medical records. You need proof of your traumatic brain injury from doctors, hospitals, or therapists.
Step 2: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or apply online at ssa.gov. This starts your SSDI or SSI claim.
Step 3: If you have low income and few assets, apply for SSI. If you have a work history, apply for SSDI. You can apply for both at the same time.
Step 4: Apply for State Disability Assistance (SDA) through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). You can apply online at Michigan.gov or at your local MDHHS office.
Step 5: If you need help with daily living, ask about Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. Contact your local MDHHS office for details.
Step 6: If you want to work, talk to a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach. They can help you understand how work affects your benefits.
Step 7: Report any changes in income, address, or health to Social Security and MDHHS to avoid overpayments.
SSA Disability Application (2025)
Michigan SDA Application (2025)
Michigan Medicaid Waivers (2025)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with a work history and a qualifying disability, including traumatic brain injury.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with limited income and resources, including those with TBI.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Automatic with SSI in Michigan.
Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after 24 months.
Ticket to Work: Free help to prepare for, find, and keep a job.
SSA Disability Programs (2025)
State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for disabled adults in Michigan who do not get other state cash benefits. Income and asset limits apply.
Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help pay for home care, therapy, and other services for people with disabilities, including TBI.
Michigan ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services: Job training and support for people with disabilities.
Michigan Works!: Employment services for people with disabilities.
Michigan SDA Program (2025)
Michigan Medicaid Waivers (2025)
Michigan offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injury. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation. To open an account, visit the Michigan ABLE website.
SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, SGA is expected to be $1,530/month for non-blind individuals and $2,550/month for blind individuals.
SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI maximum is $943/month for individuals. Michigan may add a small state supplement. You must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
SDA: Income and asset limits apply. Contact MDHHS for current limits.
SSDI SGA Limits 2025 (2025)
SSI Income Limits 2025 (2025)
Michigan SDA Income Limits (2025)
If your income, address, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and MDHHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to set up a repayment plan.
Contact a Michigan Benefit-to-Work Coach for free help with disability benefits and work incentives. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI income and asset limits, you may get both. This is called concurrent benefits. SSI can make up the difference if SSDI is below the SSI maximum.
In 2025, you can earn up to about $1,530 per month (non-blind) and still get SSDI. This is the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. If you are blind, the limit is $2,550 per month.
The federal SSI maximum in 2025 is $943 per month for individuals. Michigan may add a small state supplement for some recipients.
Yes, if you get SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Michigan. If you get SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid through other programs or waivers.
SDA is a state program that gives cash help to disabled adults who do not get other state cash benefits. You must meet income and asset limits and be a Michigan resident.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you test employment without losing benefits. You can earn up to the SGA limit and still get SSDI. SSI has different rules for earned income.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Michigan ABLE Accounts (2025)
Michigan Works! (2025)
Contact your local MDHHS office to apply for Medicaid waivers. These programs help pay for home care, therapy, and other services for people with disabilities.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
You do not need a lawyer, but legal help can make the process easier. Many disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
The process can take several months to over a year. It depends on how quickly Social Security gets your medical records and makes a decision.
