Frequently Asked Questions

You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you’ve worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes during your employment. On top of that, you must have a disability that meets the Social Security Adm allowed amount, you won’t be considered disabled, no matter your medical condition. In 2026, the monthly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for non-blind disabled individuals is $1,690, and $2,830 for those who are blind. These limits apply to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, with higher amounts for blind individuals. If your income falls below that threshold, the next step is showing that your condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities—like walking, standing, lifting, or sitting—for at least twelve months.  

Many medical conditions can qualify, including chronic heart failure, cystic fibrosis, chronic liver disease, and certain blood clotting or bleeding disorders. The SSA evaluates whether your condition prevents you from doing your past work. If it does, they then determine whether there are any other jobs you could perform.

You may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you’re a disabled adult or child with limited income and resources. Adults aged 65 or older who aren’t disabled may also qualify if they meet the financial limits set for SSI. Depending on how long you’ve worked, it’s possible to receive both Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income at the same time. 

It’s common for the SSA to deny an initial Social Security benefits claim. If your claim in Michigan was denied, you need to act quickly. You have only 60 days from the date stamped on the denial letter to file an appeal and protect your claim. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an experienced Social Security Disability representative right away. Our team jumps on your case immediately, making sure every deadline is met so your claim stays on track. 

Disability Insurance Benefits can include Medicare coverage, benefits for you individually, and benefits for your family members. The amount you receive is calculated using a formula in the Social Security Act and is based on the earnings reported to the SSA by the IRS. 

 Under the Social Security Act, a person is considered to have a "disability" if they are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death. If you are unsure whether you meet these criteria, we recommend consulting your family physician and contacting our office to discuss your eligibility for benefits. 

To qualify for Social Security benefits, the SSA requires you to have earned a certain number of work credits. Generally, if you have worked for 5 of the last 10 years, you likely have enough credits. However, you should contact the SSA or speak with a representative to confirm whether you meet the requirements.

  A "disability" under Social Security can be physical, mental, or both. What matters is that a doctor can show with medical evidence that you cannot work for at least 12 months in a row.

You can apply for Social Security Disability Benefits or SSI and represent yourself. However, people who have a representative, especially for appeals, are more likely to get benefits. If you hire our office, you won’t pay anything if we are unsuccessful. If we win your case, the government sets a fair and reasonable fee.

You can apply for benefits as many times as you need. If you think you now qualify, you can reapply for consideration.

 You can receive benefits as long as you remain disabled and meet all SSA requirements. The SSA may occasionally review your condition and ask for a medical evaluation.

To find out if you might have a claim, you should speak with a representative. If drug addiction or alcoholism plays a significant role in your disability, you may not qualify for benefits, according to the Social Security Act. 

For a first-time application, it usually takes 4–6 months to get a decision. If your claim is denied and you file an appeal, it usually takes 12–18 months to get a hearing, depending on the office. After the hearing, it takes about 2–3 months to get the decision, and another 1–2 months to receive your benefits if you win.

Many people applying for Social Security disability benefits also face financial difficulties. You can try applying for help through DHS, such as food stamps, Medicaid, or cash assistance. You can also contact local organizations, like 211-United Way or the Salvation Army, for additional support.

Many people applying for Social Security benefits may be without medical insurance because they are off work. It’s important to get medical care for two reasons: first, to take care of your health, and second, to have medical records that support your disability claim. Many counties have community programs to help, and United Way (211) can help you find a doctor or clinic with little or no cost. Some people may need to use the emergency room for care when necessary.

There is very little that can be done to speed up a Social Security disability claim. The SSA has a backlog of people waiting for hearings before Administrative Law Judges. In some cases, a hearing may be scheduled faster—for example, if a person has a terminal illness that SSA recognizes for expedited processing.

Usually, only the claimant testifies at the hearing. But in certain cases, such as with a head injury or mental illness, someone else may be able to provide important information that the claimant cannot. In those situations, we can call additional witnesses to testify.

You need to clearly describe the disabilities you have and how they affect your ability to work. You should also list the doctors you see regularly and any medications or treatments they have prescribed.

The hearing is fairly informal. You and any witnesses will be placed under oath before testifying. You will answer questions from the Judge and your representative (if you have one). A vocational or medical expert may also testify in response to the Judge’s questions about what kind of work you could do with your disability. The Judge usually does not make a decision on the same day. You will get a written decision in 1–2 months by mail.

Only you can decide when or if you should go back to work, since it depends on your unique situation. If you are working and earning more than the allowed amount per month, the SSA considers this “substantial gainful activity,” and you are generally not considered disabled. However, if you try to return to work but cannot do so because of your disability after a short time, SSA usually does not count that against you. If you have been off work for over a year due to a disability and then return to work, you may still be eligible for benefits for a “closed period.”