If Your Spouse Does Qualify For Ssi
Social Security calls you part of an eligible couple if:
- You are married
- You live with your spouse, and
- Both you and your spouse qualify for SSI.
The most an eligible couple can get in SSI each month is $1,191 . Every three months, the state of Michigan will also give a $63 payment to eligible couples.
What Is The Highest Paying State For Disability
At 8.9 percent, West Virginia came in at the top of the list among states where the most people receive disability benefits. Residents there received $122.4 million in monthly benefits. West Virginias labor force participation rate was 52.7 percent the lowest in the country.
You might be interested: Ohio social security disability phone number
Appealing A Disability Decision In Michigan
Approximately three to four months after you file for disability, you’ll receive a written decision in the mail. More than a third of those who apply for SSDI in Michigan are approved for benefits upon their initial application. A significant number are also granted benefits at a later stage of the disability appeals process.
| Stage of Application |
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17 months |
The Presumed Maximum Value Rule
The PMV rule says that the most you can get in SSI benefits goes down by a certain amount if:
- Somebody helps you with food and/or shelter, and
- The VTR does not apply to your case.
- Examples: The VTR does not apply if you do not live in the same household as the person helping you with your food and shelter, or if the person helping you does not help with both food and shelter.
The exact amount your maximum SSI benefits go down depends on your situation:
Note: The support you get according to the PMV rule counts as unearned income for SSI. Because SSI’s general income exclusion means the program doesn’t count your first $20 in unearned income, the amount of SSI benefits you get may be the same regardless of whether the VTR or PMV applies.
- Edgar lives in a house with roommates and gets SSI benefits. He pays for his own food, but his father pays Edgars rent, which is $500 per month. Because $500 is more than the default PMV amount , the PMV amount is used to calculate his SSI benefits. His benefits amount is $794 = $529.33.
- Manon lives in an apartment and gets SSI benefits. Her grandmother sends $120 each month to the landlord to help with the rent. If Social Security applied the full PMV amount , Manons SSI benefits would be just $529.33 per month. But, because Manon showed Social Security that her grandmother’s help was lower than PMV, her benefits amount is $794 = $694.
How Your Ssdi Payments Are Calculated
The severity of your disability will not affect the amount of SSDI benefits you receive. The Social Security Administration will determine your payment based on your lifetime average earnings before you became disabled. Your benefit amount will be calculated using your covered earnings. These are your earnings at jobs where your employer took money out of your wages for Social Security or FICA.
Your SSDI monthly benefit will be based on your average covered earnings over a period of time, which is referred to as your average indexed monthly earnings . The SSA uses these amounts in a formula to determine your primary insurance amount . This is the basic amount used to establish your benefit.
SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month. The maximum benefit you could receive in 2020 is $3,011 per month. The SSA has an online benefits calculator that you can use to obtain an estimate of your monthly benefits.
Income And Asset Limits
MDHHS will look at your income and assets when deciding if you are eligible. If you are eligible, MDHHS will also use your income and assets to decide your benefit amount. MDHHS will count most of your earned and unearned income. Examples of income that MDHHS will count are wages, child support, and Social Security benefits.
Assets are things you own. Both real and personal property are counted. Real property includes land and anything permanently attached to it. Personal property includes cash, investments, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. The asset limit for cash, retirement plans, and investments is $3,000. The asset limit for real property is $200,000.
Some types of income and assets are not included in the limit. To learn more about these limits, read Income and Asset Limits for State Disability Assistance.
Thurswell Law Can Help
If you are unable to work because of a medical condition, it is important to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney who that has the knowledge and experience necessary to help. Our compassionate legal experts will assist you in determining if and when you should apply for SSD. Once a determination has been made, we will work closely with you and your doctors to make sure you receive all of the benefits youre entitled to. For more information, or to schedule a free consultation, reach out to us toll-free at 248-354-2222.
Filing For Disability In Michigan
If you need to find the Social Security field office, Disability Determinations Services office, or an Office of Disability Adjudication and Review closest to you, click .
You have a few options for applying for Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance . You may apply online, over the phone, or in person.
- Online: Use the SSAs website at .
- Phone: Call the SSAs toll-free number AT 1-800-772-1213
- In-person: Go to your closest Social Security field office, which you can find .
Reduction For Disability Payments From Other Sources
If you receive disability benefits from a private source, like a private pension or private insurance benefits, these benefits will not affect your SSDI benefits. If, however, you receive other public disability benefits, they may affect your SSDI benefits. For instance, if you were injured on the job and are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the amount of SSDI benefits you receive might be reduced.
Other disability benefits that are not job-related and are paid for by the federal, state, or local government may also reduce your SSDI benefit amount. Examples of these include temporary disability benefits paid by the state, military disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability. Some public benefits are not counted toward the 80%, including SSI or VA benefits.
The combined total amounts you receive from SSDI and all other public disability benefits cannot be more than 80% of the average amount you earned before you became disabled. If the amount is more than 80% of what your average earnings were before you became disabled, in most states, the excess amount is deducted from your SSDI benefits.
The interaction between workers’ compensation and SSDI can be complicated and varies depending on what state you live in. If you qualify for more than one public disability benefit, you may want to speak with an attorney to make sure you do not miss out on any benefits you are entitled to.
The Work History Tests
In general, to be eligible for SSDI, you must pass two different work history tests. The first is a recent work history test based on your age and when you became disabled. The second test looks at your total work history to see whether you have worked long enough to get SSDI. These tests look at different things. It is possible for your work history to pass one but not the other. However, your work history must pass both tests to qualify for SSDI.
The SSA uses calendar quarters for both work history tests. The calendar quarters are:
- First Quarter: January 1 through March 31
- Second Quarter: April 1 through June 30
- Third Quarter: July 1 through September 30
- Fourth Quarter: October 1 through December 31
Can You Do Any Other Type Of Work
If you cant do the work you did in the past, we look to see if there is other work you could do despite your medical impairment.
We consider your medical conditions, age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills you may have. If you cant do other work, well decide you are disabled. If you can do other work, well decide that you dont have a qualifying disability and your claim will be denied.
Appeals Council & Federal Court Case
If your disability hearing results in an unfavorable decision , there are two more steps in the SSD appeals process an Appeals Council review, and the filing of a case in United States District Court of Eastern Michigan or Western Michigan. Few disability applicants have their claims approved at these levels, and you’ll need to retain a licensed attorney should you decide to file a court case as a result of your denied disability claim.
Special Rules For People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision
We consider you to be legally blind under Social Security rules if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens. Many people who meet the legal definition of blindness still have some sight and may be able to read large print and get around without a cane or a guide dog.
If you do not meet the legal definition of blindness, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your vision problems alone or combined with other health problems prevent you from working.
There are a number of special rules for people who are blind that recognize the severe impact of blindness on a person’s ability to work. For example, the monthly earnings limit for people who are blind is generally higher than the limit that applies to non-blind disabled workers.
In 2021, the monthly earnings limit is $2,190.
Your Ssdi Payment Depends On Your Average Lifetime Earnings
If you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the amount you receive each month will be based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. It is not based on how severe your disability is or how much income you have. Most SSDI recipients receive between $800 and $1,800 per month . However, if you are receiving disability payments from other sources, as discussed below, your payment may be reduced.
Talk With Us For Free
The call is free. The advice is free. The result can be life changing. If youve come this far, take one more step. Let us answer any questions you may have regarding a disability claim through Social Security or the VA.
Are you thinking about applying, have already applied, or have been denied?
Let Disability Attorneys of Michigan help you get the disability benefits you need. Call us for a Free Confidential Consultation at 800-949-2900 today.
The Total Work History
The second work history test looks at the age you became disabled and your total work history. If you became disabled before you turned 28, you need at least one-and-one-half years of work history to get SSDI. This is the lowest amount of work history you must have to get SSDI. If you are 28 or older, your required total work history goes up gradually. The maximum amount of work history you could be required to have is nine-and-one-half years. Youre required to have that amount when you turn 60.
To learn more, read the section How do I meet the earnings requirement for disability benefits? of the Disability Benefits page on the SSA website.
Is Your Condition Found In The List Of Disabling Conditions
For each of the major body systems, we maintain a list of medical conditions that we consider severe enough that it prevents a person from doing substantial gainful activity. If your condition is not on the list, we have to decide if it is as severe as a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, we will find that you are disabled. If it is not, we then go to Step 4.
We have two initiatives designed to expedite our processing of new disability claims:
- Compassionate Allowances: Certain cases that usually qualify for disability can be allowed as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Examples include acute leukemia, Lou Gehrigs disease , and pancreatic cancer.
- Quick Disability Determinations: We use sophisticated computer screening to identify cases with a high probability of allowance.
For more information about our disability claims process, visit our Benefits For People With Disabilities website.
What Is The Process For Obtaining Social Security Disability
The first step is to actually apply for social security benefits from the federal government. This can be done by filling out an application at your local Social Security Administration office or by applying online at www.ssa.gov. SSA may ask you for your last pay stub or W-2 as well as copies of your medical records.
Most disability applications are denied at the initial level by the Social Security Administration. If denied, you are given a time frame in which to file an appeal. If an appeal is not filed within the given time, you must start the entire process all over again.
If you elect to appeal, our law firm can help you complete the appropriate appeal forms and file a Request for Hearing and have your case heard before an administrative law judge . Our firm will help compile medical records and other documentation to ensure the ALJ makes an informed decision on your disability case.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For Disability In Michigan
On average, applications for SSI or SSDI benefits are processed three to five months after the date of the application.
SSI benefits typically begin in the first full month after the SSI claim was filed. If processing for the claim takes a month or more, SSI benefits will begin on the date that the individual is found eligible.
SSDI benefits begin in the sixth full month of disability. This six-month period begins with the first full month after the individuals disability began.
Renew Your Michigan Disability Permit
Permanent placards are valid for 4 years and expire on your birthday. You can renew your disability placard:
- No more than 45 days before it expires.
- No more than 6 months early if you’ll be outside of Michigan when it expires.
Disability placard renewal is free, and you DO NOT need a new medical certification. Contact the MI SOS at 767-6424 for renewal methods.
Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months based on your doctor’s certification. You CANNOT renew a temporary disability placard, but you can apply for a new one once your current placard expires.
See Apply for a MI Placard or Plate” above for more information.
Disability license plates expire on your birthday. To renew your plate, you must renew your vehicle registration.
Rules If Somebody Else Helps Pay For Your Food And Shelter
If you are single and pay for your own food and shelter, you get up to $794 per month in SSI benefits. Shelter expenses can include rent, payments, property taxes, heating fuel, gas, electricity, water, sewer service, and garbage collection. To qualify for this benefits amount if you live alone, you cannot get help paying for these expenses. If you live with other people, you must pay your without getting help.
If someone else pays for some or all of your food and shelter, Social Security may reduce the maximum SSI benefits amount you can get. This is called in-kind support and maintenance and how Social Security counts it depends on your situation.
What Are Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security disability benefits come from payroll deductions required by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act to cover the cost of Social Security benefits such as retirement, as well as spousal and survivor benefits. Some of this funding goes into the Disability Insurance Trust Fund and pays for disability benefits.
According to the Social Security website, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked a certain length of time in jobs covered by Social Security. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year when you became disabled. You must also have a medical condition that meets Social Securitys definition of disability.
Social Security Disability Insurance should not be confused with Supplemental Security Income , which pays benefits to those who have financial needs regardless of their work history. Although these two names sound similar, the qualifications to get the payments and what you might receive are very different.
The Difference Between Ssd And Ssi In Michigan
While there are two common disability programs for adults Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income many people dont know the difference. First and foremost, the disability criteria for evaluating each claim is the same under both programs administered by the Social Security Administration. SSD and SSI are both designed to support disabled individuals with a monetary amount as well as a form of insurance, however, the technical criteria that initially define eligibility are completely different.
On one hand, SSD benefits are available to those who have worked for a prolonged period in the past, accumulating work credits as a basis for the funds they will receive under this program. SSI benefits, on the other hand, are available to disabled individuals with little or no income who have not earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD . In order to qualify for SSI, you must have a very limited income and assets not more than $2000 for an individual and not more than $3,000 for a married couple. Whereas your spouses income will not affect your SSD benefits, it can interfere with obtaining SSI benefits.
How Your Age Affects Your Disability Insurance Policys Cost
Probably, the simplest concept to understand and the most difficult to do something about, your age, has a fairly direct relationship to the cost of your disability insurance policy.
If we were at a social gathering and you asked how much does disability insurance cost, your age would be the first question asked.
Youll note on the quote form to the left that there are very few questions we need to get started; however, your date of birth is one of them.
Simply put, the older you are, the more expensive your policy will be. And while age and price are not a strictly linear relationship, it is pretty close:
The older you are, the more likely you are to go on claim. As people age, health can cause them to miss work for an extended period of time. The average disability claim is 31-34 months, so even a relatively short disability will quickly put the insurance company in the red on your policy. They adjust for this fact by charging more for policies purchased at older ages.
The good news is that most policies will not increase in cost as you get older. A policy that has this feature is called non-cancelable, and the disability insurance company is not able to raise your rates as you get older.
There are three ways for the cost of your policy to increase.
- You have a that allows you to increase coverage .
- Your policy does not have a non-cancelable feature and the company elects to raise rates .
- You purchased a graded premium policy.
How The Ssa Decides If You Are Disabled
The SSA works with Disability Determination Services offices in Michigan when reviewing disability claims. DDS has doctors and disability specialists working for it. When you file a disability claim, DDS employees contact the medical professionals treating you. They ask about your condition and your ability to work. The SSA and DDS use the information they get to decide if you are disabled.
There is a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. DDS will go through all five steps. The first step looks at whether you are working. If you are, DDS looks at how much you earn each month. DDS does not consider your condition in this first step. If you earn above a certain amount, DDS will not consider you eligible for SSDI. That amount is called substantial gainful activity and it changes each year. To learn more, read Substantial Gainful Activity on the SSA website. If you are not working, or if you earn less than that amount, DDS moves on to the next step and looks at your medical condition.
The second step looks at how severe your condition is. To get SSDI, your condition must significantly limit your ability to work. Some examples are having problems lifting, standing, sitting, walking, or remembering. Your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months. If DDS decides your condition is severe, it will move to the next step and decide if your condition meets an SSA medical impairment listing.
Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Disabled Michigan workers who are interested in receiving vocational rehabilitation services can contact Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Located in Lansing, the MRS partners with numerous other state agencies to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. More information can be found on the MRS website.
Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability benefits are intended to help support people who cannot work for medical reasons. The type of benefits you could receive depends on whether you worked in the past but have become disabled or you have no substantial recent work history and very little income or assets.
Anyone seeking Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income must demonstrate that he or she cannot work due to a physical injury, illness, mental impairment, or age. Although this may seem straightforward, most people who apply are initially denied benefits.
It is important to recognize that evaluators will decide whether your condition:
- Severely limits your ability to perform work for a full year or longer
- Prevents you from working successfully at any job not just in the occupation you most recently held
- Is included on the current Social Security Administration list of impairments or is of equal severity to a condition on that list
Ssis Income Limit For Your Living Situation
The most you can get in SSI each month is what Social Security thinks somebody in your situation needs to spend on basic needs. The countable income limit for getting SSI is the same as this maximum benefits amount.
This table shows the maximum possible SSI benefits for some common living situations. These situations are explained in detail below.
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Single individuals |
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$74 |
Note: These numbers are adjusted each year for the cost of living.
Many states, including Michigan, know that the cost of living is higher than the maximum amount of SSI benefits a person can get. That’s why Michigan gives an extra payment to people who get SSI. If you live alone and get SSI, you’ll probably get an extra $42 every three months. The amounts are slightly different for different living situations.
Social Security doesnt count all of your income when they look at whether you qualify for SSI and, if so, how much you should get in benefits each month. For example, you could make $1,500 per month at work and still qualify for SSI, because Social Security would not count more than half of your earned income.
Learn more about how your income is counted for SSI.
When Are Ssd Benefits Paid
The Social Security Administration generally pays SSD benefits the month after you become eligible. For example, if you become eligible for benefits in January, the SSA pays the benefits to you in February.
Monthly payment dates vary depending on whether youre receiving benefits as a:
- Disabled WorkerYour payment date is determined by your birthdate. If you also receive Supplemental Security Income, your payment date falls on the third day of the month.
- Spouse of a SSD Benefit RecipientPayments are based on your spouses birthdate. If youre also receiving SSD or Social Security retirement benefits, your payments will arrive based on whoevers birthdate comes firstyou or your spouses.
- Survivor of a Deceased SSD Benefit RecipientThe birthdate of your deceased spouse or parent determines your payment schedule.
You can find exact payment dates by visiting the SSAs Schedule of Social Security Payments. If you have questions about your SSD payment schedule, Michigan Injury Lawyers wants to help.