Filing for Disability in Michigan
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Michigan, 35.2% are approved — below the national average of 36.5%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.5%
Nat'l avg: 38.5%
Nat'l avg: 42.2%
Know Your Numbers
Michigan approves 35.2% of initial disability claims. That’s 1.3 percentage points below the national average of 36.5%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,810/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Michigan vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Jul 2026 (monthly).
Michigan's medical approval rate has fallen from 40.5% to 35.2% over this period.
At a Glance — July 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
35.2%
Claims Filed
7,309
Determinations
6,597
Pending Claims
22,013
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
13.9%
Recon Claims Pending
5,972
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Detroit
Hearing OfficeDetroit · 10 judges · 7.0 months wait · 3,029 pending
approval
Flint
Hearing OfficeFlint · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,762 pending
approval
Grand Rapids
Hearing OfficeGrand Rapids · 6 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,840 pending
approval
Lansing
Hearing OfficeLansing · 5 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,641 pending
approval
Livonia
Hearing OfficeLivonia · 10 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,886 pending
approval
Mt. Pleasant
Hearing OfficeMount Pleasant · 6 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,524 pending
approval
Oak Park
Hearing OfficeOak Park · 11 judges · 7.0 months wait · 3,076 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 20.3%
- Disabled Child
- 45.8%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 10.0%
- Disabled Child
- 27.0%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,741
- Approved
- 1,115
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,335
- Approved
- 899
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,521
- Approved
- 309
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,002
- Approved
- 459
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,943
- Approved
- 271
What to Do Next
Review Michigan's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Michigan. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Michigan?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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