SSDI Denial Guide for Claimants in Michigan, MI

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Michigan Claimants

If you live in Michigan and your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application has been denied, you are not alone. Roughly 65–70 percent of first-time SSDI claims in Michigan are denied, according to aggregated data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The good news is that federal law gives every claimant the right to appeal. This comprehensive guide explains those rights, the appeals process, and the local resources available to residents from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula. All information is drawn from authoritative sources such as the Social Security Act, Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and SSA field office publications.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Federal Entitlement to Benefits

SSDI is a federal insurance program funded by payroll taxes. Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act defines “disability” as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Who Qualifies in Michigan?

• You must have sufficient insured status (work credits) under 20 CFR 404.130.

• Your impairment must meet the definition in 20 CFR 404.1505(a).

• You must file your claim while not performing SGA, as defined by SSA earnings guidelines (e.g., $1,470/month for non-blind claimants in 2023; always verify the current threshold).

Additionally, Michigan residents retain all rights provided under the Administrative Procedure Act and SSA’s own Rules of Conduct and Standards of Responsibility for Representatives.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

• Insufficient Medical Evidence — Missing imaging studies, lab results, or specialist opinions.

• Earnings Above SGA — Working too many hours or earning above the monthly limit.

• Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment — See 20 CFR 404.1530.

• Short-Term Impairments — Conditions expected to resolve in under 12 months.

• Administrative Errors — Lost paperwork, incorrect onset dates, or misapplied listings.

In Michigan, winter-related injuries and auto-accident trauma are frequent causes of disability claims, but they often lack longitudinal documentation, leading to denials.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

Key Regulations Every Michigan Claimant Should Know

• 20 CFR 404.1520 — Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process.

• 20 CFR 404.935 — Time limits for submitting evidence before a hearing.

• 20 CFR 404.968 — Appeals Council procedures.

• 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) — Federal court review of final SSA decisions.

The SSA must also comply with federal due-process requirements, meaning you are entitled to written notice of any adverse action and an opportunity to present evidence.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Review the Notice of Disapproved Claim

The denial letter lists the medical and non-medical reasons for rejection. Note the 60-day deadline to appeal under 20 CFR 404.909.

2. File a Request for Reconsideration

This is the first administrative appeal. You may submit form SSA-561 online or at any Michigan SSA field office. Attach new evidence, such as:

• Updated MRI or CT scans from facilities like University of Michigan Health or Spectrum Health.

• Recent treatment notes from your specialist in Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor.

3. Request an ALJ Hearing

If reconsideration is denied, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) using form HA-501-U5. In Michigan, hearings are typically held in one of three hearing offices:

• Detroit Hearing Office, 477 Michigan Ave., Room 10100, Detroit, MI 48226

• Livonia Hearing Office, 19575 Victor Pkwy., Livonia, MI 48152

• Grand Rapids Hearing Office, 1925 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Most hearings are now hybrid, allowing video or telephone testimony.

4. Appeals Council

After an unfavorable ALJ decision, file form HA-520 within 60 days to request Appeals Council review, per 20 CFR 404.967.

5. Federal Court Review

If the Appeals Council denies review or issues an adverse decision, you may file a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern or Western District of Michigan within 60 days (42 U.S.C. § 405(g)).

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Although claimants may represent themselves, statistics from the SSA Office of Hearings Operations show that represented claimants are more than twice as likely to win benefits at the ALJ level. Michigan attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Michigan and approved by the SSA’s Office of the General Counsel to charge fees, which are typically limited to 25 percent of past-due benefits, capped at $7,200 (20 CFR 404.1728).

Local Resources & Next Steps

Disability Rights Michigan — Federally funded protection and advocacy agency. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services — Assistance programs for low-income disabled residents. SSA Field Office Locator — Find your nearest SSA office in cities like Flint, Lansing, or Marquette.

According to the SSA’s 2022 Annual Statistical Report, about 352,000 Michigan residents receive SSDI benefits, making the state the 10th highest in total beneficiaries. Knowing the process and acting quickly can place you among the successful claimants.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.

If your SSDI claim was denied, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and claim review.