SSDI Denial Appeal Guide for Michigan, MI

Introduction: Why SSDI Denials Matter in Michigan

Michigan residents file tens of thousands of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims each year. According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, initial approval rates nationwide hover around 35%. Michigan mirrors this trend. If you received a denial letter, you are far from alone—and you still have options. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and smaller communities alike depend on SSDI benefits to cover medical bills, housing costs, and daily living expenses when disability prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA). This guide walks Michigan claimants through the appeals process, explains key federal regulations, and highlights local resources.

Understanding Your SSDI Rights

Who Qualifies for SSDI?

SSDI is a federal program authorized under Title II of the Social Security Act. To qualify, you must:

Have a medically determinable impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death (20 CFR 404.1505). Meet earnings requirements—sufficient work credits based on age (20 CFR 404.130). Be unable to perform your past relevant work or adjust to other work considering your age, education, and residual functional capacity (RFC), as outlined in the SSA Listings (Blue Book).

Your Right to Appeal

Under 20 CFR 404.900, every claimant has four levels of administrative review:

• Reconsideration

• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing

• Appeals Council review

• Federal District Court lawsuit

Each level must be requested within 60 days of receiving an unfavorable decision (the SSA presumes you receive any notice five days after the date on the letter). Failure to appeal timely typically results in losing the right to challenge that decision.

Common Reasons SSA Denies SSDI Claims

Medical Evidence Insufficiency

The SSA may state your medical records do not establish a severe impairment or that your condition is not expected to last 12 months. Michigan claimants often treat at multiple facilities—Beaumont Health, University of Michigan Health, Spectrum Health—and gaps in documentation can hurt an application.

Earnings Above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

If you earned more than the monthly SGA limit (e.g., $1,470 for non-blind claimants in 2023 per SSA policy), the SSA presumes you are not disabled.

Non-Medical Technical Denials

Failure to meet insured status or insufficient recent work credits can trigger a technical denial before medical review. Workers who spent years in seasonal or cash-based employment in Michigan’s tourism or agriculture sectors can be vulnerable here.

Failure to Cooperate

Missing Consultative Examinations (CEs) or failing to submit requested forms (e.g., Adult Function Report SSA-3373) can lead to denial.

Federal Legal Protections & Regulations

• 20 CFR 404.1520: Outlines the five-step sequential evaluation SSA uses to determine disability.

• 42 U.S.C. § 405(g): Provides the statutory right to seek judicial review of a final SSA decision in federal court.

• 20 CFR 404.1710–404.1740: Governs representation of claimants and sets fee oversight rules.

• Social Security Ruling (SSR) 96-8p: Explains residual functional capacity assessment standards.

These regulations protect claimants by obligating the SSA to base decisions on substantial evidence, notify you of outcomes, and give you a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Steps to Take After an SSDI Denial

1. Read the Denial Letter Carefully

Identify the listed “technical” or “medical” reasons. The SSA often cites specific exhibits—use these to target missing evidence.

2. Track Deadlines

You have 60 days (plus 5 for mailing) to file a written request for reconsideration under 20 CFR 404.909. Mark the date immediately.

3. Gather Additional Evidence

• Obtain updated imaging or lab results from Michigan hospitals (e.g., Henry Ford Health).

• Ask treating physicians to complete Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) forms.

• Collect vocational statements from past employers in Detroit, Flint, or elsewhere describing job demands.

4. Submit the Reconsideration Request

You can file online through SSA’s Appeal Portal or mail SSA-561 to your local field office. Attach new evidence where possible.

5. Prepare for the ALJ Hearing If Denied Again

About 13% of Michigan reconsiderations are approved; the rest proceed to ALJ. Request an ALJ hearing online or via Form HA-501. You may choose video, telephone, or in-person (post-COVID options vary by office). Detroit’s Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) covers large portions of the state, while Grand Rapids and Livonia OHOs serve western and southeastern regions.

6. Appeals Council and Federal Court

If the ALJ rules against you, request Appeals Council review using Form HA-520. If denied again, 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)). Federal judges examine whether the SSA applied correct legal standards and had “substantial evidence” for its findings.

When to Seek Legal Help for SSDI Appeals

Michigan attorneys handling Social Security cases must be licensed by the State Bar of Michigan. Representation fees are typically capped at the lesser of 25% of past-due benefits or $7,200 (as of 2022) unless a fee petition is filed (20 CFR 404.1720). Hiring counsel is especially prudent when:

• Your impairment involves complex medical evidence (e.g., traumatic brain injury, Crohn’s disease).

• Vocational Expert (VE) testimony is expected at ALJ hearings.

• You have prior denials and multiple alleged onset dates (AOD).

• You struggle with deadlines or document collection.

Attorneys can request your electronic folder, cross-examine VEs, and submit pre-hearing briefs citing Sixth Circuit precedent (Michigan is in the Sixth Circuit).

Local Resources & Next Steps

Key SSA Offices in Michigan

Detroit SSA Field Office 477 Michigan Ave., Room 1450, Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: 866-365-6061 Grand Rapids SSA Field Office 3045 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: 866-443-3804 Lansing SSA Field Office 5210 Perry Robinson Cir., Lansing, MI 48911 Phone: 877-512-5944

Disability Determination Services (DDS)

Michigan DDS, under the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, performs initial and reconsideration medical determinations. Address: 3038 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 6-450, Detroit, MI 48202.

Medical Facilities for Evidence Collection

• University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor

• Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids

• McLaren Northern Michigan, Petoskey

Community Support

Michigan Disability Resources Michigan Legal Help for pro se litigants Disability Rights Michigan (federally mandated protection & advocacy agency)

Conclusion

An SSDI denial is discouraging but not the end. Michigan claimants have robust federal protections, clear procedural rights, and numerous local resources. Understand the specific reason for your denial, respect appeal deadlines, strengthen your medical evidence, and consult qualified counsel when needed. With diligence and the right support, many denials are overturned on appeal.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

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