Seeking social security disability benefits in Michigan? If you found yourself in a situation where you’re unable to work due to injury or illness for an extended period of time, you might qualify for disability benefits.
Read on to find out if you qualify and how to apply for disability in Michigan and social security benefits.
What Types of Benefits are Available?
Michigan residents who are medically eligible for benefits may qualify for one of two different types of federal benefit programs. Both Social Security disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits provide a monthly cash payment to medically eligible residents.
Who Qualifies for Disability in Benefits?
If you are a Michigan resident and have been unable to work due to illness or injury for at least a year, you might be eligible for either Social Security disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Michigan state authorities examine each case on an individual basis according to a number of criteria. Approximately 63% of all applicants will be rejected after their initial application for disability benefits in Michigan. However, more than 50% of applicants who appeal a disability decision receive their benefits.
How to Apply for Disability in Michigan?
To get started, you have to file a claim at any Social Security Office. The application will lead to an interview, where a state-appointed claims representative will ask about your medical history and your employment status.
You may also file a claim online, but doing so reduces your chances of success. When applying online, you cannot discuss your case with the claims representative who will be reviewing your claim. You can only file SSD claims online.
As only 37% of all applications go through initially, it is best to team up with a qualified attorney to help you file your disability benefits claim, or appeal it if it gets rejected.
Appealing a Disability Decision
If your disability is not included in the list of impairments, or if the claims representative found you capable of other work, your disability benefits claim will be rejected. However, this doesn’t have to be the end.
More than 50% of all denied claims become accepted after an appeal. After the denial, you will have to request a disability hearing in front of an administrative law judge. You have to make the request within 60 days, and the waiting time can be as long as 18 months for your hearing.
In case your disability hearing doesn’t go well, you may appeal to the Appeals Council, or file your appeal with the United States District Court of Eastern Michigan or Western Michigan. You will need a trusted attorney to proceed with these steps.
Need to Hire a Lawyer?
If you need someone to guide you through a legal maze, you’ve come to the right place. Now that you know how to apply for disability in Michigan, we can make it happen for you
Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo, P.C. prides itself on customer satisfaction and client success. We are personal injury experts with unparalleled expertise in automobile accidents.
We have the knowledge and experience to defend your case. We don’t want your money unless you’re happy, so we offer a no-win-no-fee guarantee. If you need to speak with an attorney about your case, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation today.
