If you live in Michigan, you won't be able to get short-term disability benefits from the state, but you can apply for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Both SSDI and SSI are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but initial claim procedures and appeal procedures are different from state to state.
Regardless of where you live, there are three ways you can file for disability. These options depend on whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI.
Online. If you are applying for SSDI, you can file an online application at www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm. When you first start your online application you will be assigned an application number. You will need this number to return to the application at a later date, and you will need the number to track the status of your application.
At your local field office. You can apply for benefits at your local SSA field office. Some field offices require that you make an appointment, so make sure you call ahead of time. You can call the SSA at 800-772-1213.
By telephone. The SSA also gives you the option to apply by telephone. This can be helpful if you live too far away from your field office or if your disability makes it hard to travel. You can apply by phone by calling 800-772-1213.
In Michigan, a state agency called Disability Determination Service (DDS) makes the initial decisions about whether you are disabled. DDS is a part of Michigan's Department of Human Services (DHS). Here is the contact information for Michigan's four DDS locations.
608 W. Allegan St., 3rd Floor
Hannah Building
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 702-5500
3036 W. Grand Blvd., Ste. 6-200
Cadillac Place
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 456-6800
151 S. Rose St., 5th Floor
Comerica Bank
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 337-3550
315 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 933-6735
For more information, you can also visit the DHS website.
In most states, if your initial application is denied, you have to first ask DDS to reconsider the decision, which takes a few months. In Michigan, you can skip this test, and request an appeal hearing right away. Appeal hearings are held at the Office of Hearing Operations (OHO). Michigan has OHO hearing offices in Detroit, Lansing, Livonia, Oak Park, Grand Rapids, and Mount Pleasant.
You may receive up to $771 per month in SSI benefits from the federal government, plus Michigan adds on a small state supplement. The state supplement is paid in the following amounts, depending on your living situation.
Living Situation |
Individuals |
Couples |
Living independently |
$14.00 |
$21.00 |
Living in another person's home |
$9.33 |
$13.96 |
Domiciliary care |
$87.00 |
$549.00 |
Personal care facility |
$157.50 |
$690.00 |
Home for the aged |
$179.30 |
$733.60 |
Living independently with an essential person |
$14.00 |
$21.00 |
Living in another person's home with an essential person |
$14.00 |
$21.00 |
Medicaid facility |
$7.00 |
$14.00 |
Michigan's Department of Human Services administers the supplement for the first two categories above. You can call Michigan's DHS at 855-275-6424. Otherwise, the Social Security Administration handles and pays the supplement for the state of Michigan.
You may also be eligible for state disability assistance; inquire at the Department of Human Services. Also, in Michigan, you are also automatically eligible for Medicaid if you get SSI.
It may be helpful to contact an experienced disability lawyer to talk about your case, especially if you've been denied once already. To find an attorney in your area, visit our list of Michigan disability lawyers.
Need a lawyer? Start here.