How Much Are Disability Benefits in Michigan?
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you live in Michigan and can’t work due to an injury or illness, you might qualify for Social Security benefits. For many people, a monthly check from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be life-changing.
If a monthly check could make a big difference in your financial situation, then applying for disability benefits is something you should consider. Let’s explore how you can join the more than 350,000 Michigan residents who are receiving monthly disability payments in the Great Lakes State.
How much does disability pay in Michigan?
In Michigan, the monthly amount you receive from the SSA depends on which program’s eligibility requirements you meet. The SSA administers two federal disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Both programs offer benefits payments and healthcare coverage, but the qualifications and payment amounts differ. In 2024, the maximum amount you can receive for SSDI is $3,822 per month, and $943 per month for SSI.
In Michigan, the average monthly SSDI payment is $1,776, and the average monthly SSI payment is $625.
How is Social Security Disability Insurance calculated in Michigan?
The SSA uses a formula to calculate your monthly payment amounts. In brief, the amount of money you pay into Social Security taxes during your working years determines how much you can receive in benefits.
First, the SSA calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) from your highest-earning years and adjusts this number for inflation. The SSA then uses your AIME to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), separated into three segments.
The math can get confusing at this step — check out our complete guide on how the SSA calculates your monthly SSDI check.
The easiest way to verify your eligibility and determine your estimated SSDI benefits amount is to create an SSA account on SSA.gov.
How is Supplemental Security Income calculated in Michigan?
The SSA calculates monthly SSI payments based on your need rather than your earnings history. The SSA will subtract your countable income — like cash and public benefits — from a federal benefit rate.
The federal benefit rate is $943 in 2024. If your countable income is less than the federal benefit rate, you can receive $943 monthly in SSI benefits. Check out this article for more information on how the SSA calculates SSI payments.
Estimate your disability benefit amount in just a few steps
We'll use the Social Security Administration's formula to estimate your monthly benefit.
Average
monthly check
$1,489
SSA offices in Michigan
There are 45 SSA offices throughout Michigan, including four in the Upper Peninsula.
Adrian 1040 S Winter St Ste 2401 Adrian, MI 49221 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 512-5943 Fax Number: (833) 950-3401 | Alpena 111 N 4Th Ave Alpena, MI 49707 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 452-4195 Fax Number: (833) 950-2774 | Ann Arbor 3971 Research Park Dr Ste A Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 402-0825 Fax Number: (734) 929-6463 |
Battle Creek 5700 Beckley Rd Ste D1 Battle Creek, MI 49015 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 445-0829 Fax Number: (833) 950-2462 | Bay City 1115 Washington Ave Bay City, MI 48708 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 366-4924 Fax Number: (833) 950-2134 | Benton Harbor 455 Bond St Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 405-5457 Fax Number: (833) 950-2474 |
Big Rapids 502 N State St Ste A Big Rapids, MI 49307 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (855) 245-0641 Fax Number: (833) 950-3705 | Chesterfield 26200 21 Mile Rd Chesterfield, MI 48051 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 635-0788 Fax Number: (833) 950-3699 |
How much does a disability attorney cost in Michigan?
There are no upfront costs to working with a disability lawyer on your disability benefits application. Disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay them if the SSA approves your claim and you win benefits. You pay your lawyer 25% of your first benefits check, and the SSA caps this fee at $7,200.
You are three times more likely to win benefits when you work with a disability lawyer. They can help gather your medical records, complete the application paperwork, file for an appeal, and even represent you at a disability hearing.
Get help with your disability application
If you’re applying for disability benefits in Michigan, Atticus can help. After you take our 2-minute quiz, a member of our team can offer personalized advice about your disability claim. If you’d like, they can connect you with a disability lawyer who can assist you at every stage of the application process.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Michigan
How do I qualify for disability in Michigan?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Michigan?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Michigan?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Michigan. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Michigan?
The average SSDI payment in Michigan is $1,384.77 per month. The average SSI payment is $639.17 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Michigan?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Michigan have a state disability program?
No, Michigan doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Michigan can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
Michigan Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Michigan
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
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