Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that gives monthly financial help to people who have low incomes and are either elderly, blind, or have disabilities. This support helps cover essential needs like food, clothing, and a place to live for those who meet the requirements, ensuring they have some financial stability despite having limited income and resources.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program designed to offer financial assistance to people with disabilities who can’t work. To qualify, individuals must have a work history meeting certain requirements. The benefits from SSDI are determined by how much someone earned in the past and is intended to help pay for everyday living costs when they can no longer hold a job due to their disability.

Michigan's Temporary Cash Assistance Programs offer temporary financial help to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. One of the main programs, the Family Independence Program (FIP), assists with basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities. The goal is to support families, especially those with children, as they work towards becoming financially stable.

Although Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging mainly assist older adults, they also support younger people with disabilities in understanding programs like Medicaid and Medicare. They offer helpful information on how to access various benefits, including assistance programs and services that allow individuals to live at home or in their communities.

The Arc Michigan helps people navigate the process of getting government benefits, like Social Security and Medicaid, for those with developmental disabilities. They provide information on who qualifies for these benefits and offer assistance with filling out the necessary application forms.

The Disability Network helps people learn about and apply for benefits such as Social Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and various state support programs. They offer support from others who understand similar challenges and assist individuals in finding the resources they need to live more independently.

MDRC helps people navigate and understand benefits such as Medicaid and Medicare. They provide resources that explain different state and federal programs, making it easier for individuals to know what options are available and to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.

UCP Michigan helps people with disabilities find and understand different types of support they can receive, like Medicaid and SSI. They offer guidance and advocacy to assist individuals in getting the resources they need to live independently.

To qualify for the Children's Waiver Program (CWP) in Michigan, a child must meet the following requirements:

• Be under 18 years old.
• Have a developmental disability as defined by Michigan state law
• Have substantial functional limitations in at least three areas, such as self-care, language, learning, mobility, or self-direction
• Require consistent and aggressive in-home services and support.
• Live with a birth or legally adoptive parent or with a relative who has been named the legal guardian by the court.
• Meet specific Medicaid income requirements. 

Services include:

• Respite
• Enhanced transportation
• Fiscal intermediary
• Community living supports
• Environmental accessibility adaptations
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies
• Home care training
• Overnight health and safety support

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers the MI Choice Waiver Program. The program provides home and community-based services to people without nursing facility care.

To qualify, you must: 

• Be at least 65 years old or a disabled adult 
• Meet financial requirements 
• Have countable resources at or below certain limits 
• Require at least two services on a monthly basis 

Services include:

• Adult day care
• Chore services
• Community living support
• Community transportation
• Counseling
• Home-delivered meals
• Home modifications
• Medical equipment
• Nursing services
• Personal emergency response system
• Respite care
• Supports coordination
• And more

The MI Habilitation Supports Waiver is designed to provide services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities who would otherwise require institutional care.

Here are the primary qualification criteria:

Disability Criteria

• The applicant must have a developmental disability as defined by Michigan law. That includes significant impairments that began before age 22 and affect the individual’s ability to function independently in major life areas.

Level of Care Requirement

• Applicants must meet the level of care typically provided in a care facility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. That means the individual requires comprehensive, ongoing support that could otherwise necessitate institutional placement.

Financial Eligibility

• The applicant must qualify for Medicaid based on income and asset limits.

Residency Requirement

• The individual must be a resident of Michigan.

Need for Habilitation Supports Waiver Services

• The applicant must demonstrate a need, including support for daily living, employment assistance, community integration, and behavioral health services.

Services include:

• Community living supports
• Skill development
• Specialty services: Occupational therapy, nursing, or psychiatry 
• Supported employment 
• Respite
• Enhanced medical equipment and supplies
• Enhanced pharmacy
• Environmental modifications
• Family training
• Personal emergency response system

The MI Health Link HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver provides services to individuals who require a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility. This waiver aims to support individuals in living independently at home or in a community setting, rather than a nursing home.

Here’s an overview of the qualifications:

Dual Eligibility:

• The individual must be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Age Requirement:

• Adults aged 21 and older.

Level of Care Requirement:

• The applicant must meet the level of care typically required for a nursing facility, which means they need significant assistance with daily activities.

Need for HCBS Services:

• The individual must demonstrate a need for the specific home and community-based services provided under the waiver.

Services include:

• Personal Care and Community Living Supports
• Care Coordination
• Adult Day Programs
• Respite Care
• Home Modifications
• Medical Equipment and Supplies
• Skilled Nursing and Therapy Services
• Behavioral Health Services
• Transportation
• Emergency Response System

The SED Waiver is designed to provide home and community-based services for children with serious emotional and behavioral needs. This waiver supports children who might otherwise require institutional care, allowing them to remain at home and actively participate in their communities.

Here are the qualifications:

Age Requirement:

• Children and adolescents under the age of 18.

Diagnosis of Serious Emotional Disturbance:

• An SED significantly impacts the ability to function at home, in school, or in the community.

Level of Care Requirement:

• Meet the criteria for the level of care provided in a psychiatric hospital.

Financial Eligibility:

• The child must meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements.

Residence Requirement:

• The child must live with their family or in a home-like setting within the community.

Key services include:

• Intensive Home-Based Services
• Respite Care
• Wraparound Facilitation
• Family Support and Training
• Crisis Intervention
• Community Living Supports (CLS)
• Therapeutic Services
• Behavioral Health Consultation
• Medication Management
• Personal Care Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) runs important programs that help people access healthcare and financial support, such as Medicaid, the MI Choice Waiver, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They provide assistance in completing applications, figuring out if someone is eligible for support, and managing cases to ensure individuals get the help they need with their health and finances.

MRS helps people with disabilities find and understand job-related benefits. This includes support for programs that make it easier to work while still receiving assistance, as well as guidance on vocational training services. They also explain how having a job can affect the benefits people receive due to their disabilities.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has offices in Michigan that help people apply for disability benefits. These benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The offices offer support in person and online, making it easier for individuals to understand what they need to qualify, how to complete the application, and what to do if they need to appeal a decision.