Don’t miss this interactive Q&A session featuring Michele Fuller and Erika Riggs, an expert SSI and disability attorney. Together, they will dive into the intersection of special needs planning and disability benefits, answering your pressing questions about securing financial futures, navigating SSI rules, and coordinating public benefits with private resources. Gain insights into building comprehensive strategies that protect assets while ensuring long-term support and care for individuals with disabilities.
At Michigan Law Center, one of the most common questions we hear from families is: “What exactly is Social Security Disability, and how do I know if I or my loved one qualifies?” Navigating the world of disability benefits can be confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with medical challenges and day-to-day stress. That’s why we recently hosted a special webinar with attorney Erika Riggs of Disability Law Group—a trusted expert in Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability law—to help clarify what these benefits mean and how to secure them.
Whether you’re applying for the first time, dealing with a denial, or simply trying to understand how disability benefits might impact your long-term financial and healthcare planning, this blog offers a helpful overview of what you need to know.
Many people say, “I’m on disability,” without realizing that there are two very different types of programs under the Social Security Administration:
Both programs use the same medical criteria to determine whether you’re considered “disabled” by Social Security standards—but they have different financial eligibility requirements and offer different types of benefits, including access to Medicaid or Medicare.
This is one of the most common points of confusion. You may have a medical diagnosis, but that doesn’t always mean Social Security will consider you disabled under their rules. Social Security’s definition of disability for adults focuses on whether your condition significantly interferes with your ability to work and earn a living. Simply having a diagnosis—even a serious one—may not be enough if it doesn’t impact your functioning in a way that meets Social Security’s criteria.
Conditions like mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorders, severe ADHD, and autoimmune diseases can be especially difficult to get approved for, even though they cause real and significant challenges. These are sometimes referred to as “invisible disabilities”—and proving them may require additional documentation to show how they affect your ability to function day to day.
Unfortunately, more than 60% of initial disability applications are denied. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t eligible. Common reasons for denial include lack of sufficient medical records, failure to communicate with Social Security, incomplete documentation, or simply problems with mailing timelines. It’s a tough system to navigate without support, which is why many people turn to attorneys like Erika Riggs to help them through the application and appeals process.
If your claim is denied, it’s often better to appeal the decision rather than starting a new application. Appealing preserves your original filing date, which may affect how much back pay you’re owed. It also allows you to correct any issues with your documentation without losing your place in line.
But appeals have strict deadlines—typically 60 days—so it’s critical to act quickly. Waiting too long could result in lost benefits or even a complete reset of your case.
Another common misconception is that you can’t work at all if you’re applying for disability. The reality is a bit more nuanced. Social Security uses an income threshold called “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) to determine whether you’re earning too much to qualify. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 in gross monthly income (or $2,700 for individuals who are blind). You may be able to work part-time and still qualify, depending on your specific situation.
One critical benefit often overlooked by families is Disabled Adult Child (DAC) status. If your child has a disability that began before age 22, they may qualify for benefits under your Social Security record when you retire, become disabled, or pass away. This can significantly increase their monthly benefit and provide Medicare coverage—without affecting their current SSI eligibility.
The key to accessing this benefit later is making sure Social Security has a formal disability determination on file that confirms your child met the criteria before age 22. This can be done later in life, but it’s much easier to secure early on, especially if you have the medical documentation to support it.
While it’s possible to navigate this process on your own, having an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability can make a tremendous difference—especially when appealing a denial or making sure the correct onset date of disability is recorded.
At Michigan Law Center, we frequently collaborate with firms like Disability Law Group to help our clients secure the benefits they deserve. And because Social Security attorney fees are set by statute and paid only from any back pay owed to you (with a cap), there’s no upfront cost for seeking legal help in these matters.
Disability benefits don’t exist in a vacuum. They often intersect with other types of planning—particularly if you or a loved one is receiving a settlement from a personal injury claim or has long-term care needs. That’s why settlement planning, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and estate planning are essential tools to protect benefit eligibility and financial security. We routinely advise families on how to integrate all these pieces into a thoughtful and personalized plan.
If you or someone you love is navigating disability benefits, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Michigan Law Center, we’re here to help you understand your options, protect your resources, and build a secure future.
To learn more about special needs planning, settlement planning, and government benefit protection, visit our webinar archive, or contact our office directly.
Ready to talk? Call us at 586-803-8500 or email michele@milaw.center.
