Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits in Michigan?

Just because you can’t work doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a large government agency that uses very complicated systems and processes to determine whether or not you qualify. To actually win benefits, you must be deemed “disabled” by the SSA’s strict definition. At Levine Benjamin, we can help you figure out if you qualify for disability benefits. Call our office today for a free consultation. Contact us to discuss your disability case.

What Types of Social Security Benefits are Available?

The SSA awards two types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance is available to you (and possibly family members) if you meet three qualifications: 1) SSA deems you disabled, 2) You’ve paid enough in Social Security taxes, and 3) You’ve worked at least five of the last 10 years as of the day you are deemed disabled.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) differs from SSDI. SSI is a needs-based program that pays monthly benefits to disabled adults with limited income and resources. SSI is also available to children who are blind or disabled. How Does the Social Security Administration Define “Disabled”? Social Security has very specific rules when it comes to finding you “disabled.” The agency will only consider you disabled if your medical condition or injury is likely to prevent you from working for a minimum of one year (or result in death). Your disability can be a physical condition, a mental condition, or a combination of a variety of problems. For the most part, the Social Security Administrations will deem you disabled if: You can no longer perform work you did in the past, The SSA decides you can’t perform other work because of your medical condition(s); and and Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year (or result in death). Do All Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits? Just about. If your medical problem, whether physical or mental, prevents you from working, you have a good chance of qualifying for disability benefits.

Here are some of the most common conditions that qualify:

Disorders of the Spine
Major Dysfunction of a Joint
Loss of Vision
Loss of Speech
Hearing Loss
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
Cardiovascular Issues
Liver Disease
Sickle Cell Disease
Epilepsy
Parkinson’s
Brain Tumors
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Anxiety-Related Disorders
Schizophrenia
Autism
Leukemia Lymphoma
Cancer
Diabetes
Arthritis
HIV