If you have a disability, you may be wondering how to apply for SSDI in the state of Michigan. Applying for SSDI benefits can help you get financial benefits that help cover your daily living expenses if you have no income or minimal income. However, there are some requirements that you first need to be aware of to better understand if you qualify and, if so, how to proceed with your SSDI application. In this article, we will be discussing the steps you need to take when you apply for SSDI in Michigan and what is required during the SSDI application process.
How Do I Apply For SSDI Benefits?
If you are wondering how to apply for SSDI, you first need to make sure you qualify for SSDI benefits in Michigan. Social Security disability insurance eligibility in Michigan generally dictates that you must be insured and have a disability. However, there are a few situations where you may still be entitled to these benefits even if you haven’t worked or don’t have a disability, such as:
- You may qualify for disabled adult child benefits if your disability began before you turned 22.
- You may qualify for benefits if your spouse or ex-spouse qualifies for SSDI benefits or Social Security retirement benefits or qualifies before dying.
- You may qualify for children’s benefits if you are 18 or younger and one of your parents gets Social Security retirement benefits, disability insurance benefits, or is deceased.
When starting the SSDI application process, there are several ways that you can apply for benefits. One of the easiest ways you can apply is online, where you can start the process immediately. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) to make an appointment to apply over the phone or in person at your local Social Security office.
Keep in mind that you must call one of these numbers to make an appointment, even if you decide to apply in person.
SSDI Benefits Application Documents
The most crucial aspect of your SSDI application is providing the correct documentation. This is where people tend to make mistakes that can delay their application or even result in a rejection. That is why it is highly recommended that you hire an SSDI attorney who can provide legal guidance throughout this process, ensuring everything is done correctly to avoid running into issues.
Here are the most essential pieces of documentation you will need for your application:
- Your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number.
- A birth certificate or documentation of your age.
- A brief summary of where you worked and the type of work you did.
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers for any professionals who took care of you, such as doctors, caseworkers, therapists, clinics, and hospitals.
- The dates of your medical visits.
- The names and doses of medications you take.
- Laboratory and test results.
- Any medical records that you have in your possession.
- Information about any Worker’s Compensation you have received.
Additionally, if you were born in another country, you will need to bring proof of US citizenship or legal residency. If you were in the military, you should also bring certified copies of your military discharge papers.
You should apply for SSDI as soon as you become disabled and have gathered medical documentation. This ensures all of your information is easy to access, but it also helps to get the process started as soon as possible since it can take 3 to 6 months for your application to be reviewed and approved. If additional information or documentation is required, this can delay the process even further.
Getting SSDI Benefits
If your SSDI benefits are approved, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter notifying you of this, as well as detailing when your payments will start and how much you will get on a monthly basis. The benefit amount you will receive is based on your average lifetime earnings, and it can fluctuate based on changes in your income, living arrangements, resources, and cost of living. Because of this, you will need to report significant changes that could impact your monthly benefits, such as:
- Change of address
- Change of living arrangements
- Change of marital status
- Change of citizenship
- Change of resources
- Change of income or employment status
- Change and other benefits you are receiving
What Happens if My SSDI Application is Denied?
Depending on your circumstances, the Social Security Administration may choose to deny your application for a variety of reasons. This can be devastating if you are relying on those benefits to get by. The good news is that you have the right to appeal this decision, which will result in the SSA re-examining your application and documents.
To appeal this decision, you need to file your appeal within the 60-day deadline you are provided with. You will need to file the proper paperwork, which includes a request for reconsideration, reconsideration disability report, and authorization to disclose information to the SSA. You should also submit medical records that weren’t already included with your application and write a clear and concise appeal letter explaining why you need the benefits.
The most important step you can take when appealing this decision is to hire an SSDI attorney to represent your claim and appeal. They can help you collect evidence to support your application, and they can look over your documentation and paperwork to ensure everything is thorough. A lawyer can also help you understand why your initial claim was denied so that you know how best to appeal this decision.
Hire an Experienced SSDI Attorney Today at Warren & Schairbaum PLLC
Are you ready to take the step and apply for SSDI benefits in Michigan? If so, our attorneys at Warren & Schairbaum PLLC have extensive experience handling SSDI cases and can help you get the SSDI benefits you are entitled to. Contact us today at 734-769-9300 or send us an email to discuss the details of your case with an experienced SSDI attorney.