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Michigan law

Social Security Disability Laws in Michigan.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal benefits administered by the Social Security Administration — state law does not affect eligibility or amounts. Michigan claimants file through local SSA field offices and appeal through Disability Determination Services (DDS) reconsideration, then federal Administrative Law Judge hearings. Hearings for Michigan are primarily conducted through the SSA hearing offices in Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Mt. Pleasant.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Michigan Statutes

SSDI Eligibility42 U.S.C. § 423

Requires sufficient work credits (generally 40 credits, 20 earned in the 10 years before disability onset) plus a medically determinable impairment expected to last 12 months or result in death.

SSI Eligibility42 U.S.C. § 1382

Needs-based program for disabled individuals with limited income and resources; no work-credit requirement. 2026 federal benefit rate is $967/month for an individual, $1,450 for couples.

Five-Step Sequential Evaluation20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920

SSA evaluates: (1) substantial gainful activity, (2) severe impairment, (3) listing of impairments, (4) past relevant work, (5) other work. Denials most commonly occur at steps 4–5.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.

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