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Common Questions about State Disability Assistance (SDA)
Contents
These are common questions about the State Disability Assistance Program (SDA).
Questions about State Disability Assistance (SDA)
The State Disability Assistance Program (SDA) provides cash assistance. You could be eligible if you are an adult with a disability. You may also be eligible if you are 65 or older or if you take care of a person with a disability. To learn more, read An Overview of the State Disability Assistance Program (SDA).
Yes, you could qualify even if you do not have a disability. Many people who get SDA are eligible because they are an adult with a disability. You may also be eligible if you are 65 or older, or if you take care of a person with a disability.
If you would like to apply for SDA based on age, you might also consider applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on age. SSI is a benefit paid by the Social Security Administration.
If you are the caretaker of a person with a disability who lives with you, you may be eligible for SDA. The work you do must be medically required for at least 90 days. The work could include:
• Food shopping
• Meal preparation
• Laundry
• Light cleaning
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Help with medication
The person you are caring for does not have to be related to you, but you must live together. You and the person you are caring for can receive SDA at the same time.
Some immigrants can get SDA. In order to be eligible for SDA, you must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant. Someone who is not a U.S. citizen should never indicate that they are a U.S. citizen.
Generally, all non-citizen children with permanent resident status (green cards) or VAWA are eligible for SDA. Non-citizen adults who have permanent resident status or VAWA for five years or more are also eligible. Asylees and refugees are also eligible for SDA. Some other categories of immigrants are also eligible, including certified victims of human trafficking and Cuban/Haitian entrants.
Immigrants who do not fall in one of the eligibility categories cannot get SDA. People who refuse to share their immigration status are also not eligible.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) cannot require Social Security numbers or immigration documents from individuals who are not applying for benefits. For example, if a parent is applying for benefits on behalf of their child but not themselves, MDHHS cannot require proof of citizenship from the parent.
If you have questions about SDA for immigrants, you may want to speak with someone at your local MDHHS office. Your local legal services office may also be able to help you. You can use the Guide to Legal Help to see if you qualify for free legal advice from your local legal services office. Even if they are not able to represent you, they could still offer you advice and other help.
If you speak limited English, MDHHS must provide you with an interpreter. Be sure to tell MDHHS that you need an interpreter or need help understanding documents in English. You have a right to bring your own interpreter if you prefer. The application is available in different languages. You can apply online and have someone help you.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will look at your income and assets when deciding if you are eligible. If you are eligible MDHHS will also use your income and assets to decide your benefit amount. MDHHS will count most of your earned and unearned income. Examples of income that MDHHS will count are wages, child support, and Social Security benefits.
Assets are things you own. Both real and personal property are counted. Real property includes land and anything permanently attached to it. Personal property includes cash, investments, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. The asset limit for personal property is $15,000. The asset limit for real property is $200,000.
Some types of income and assets are not included in the limit. To learn more about these limits, read Income and Asset Limits for State Disability Assistance.
The application process takes around 60 days to complete. The fastest way to apply is online through the MI Bridges Portal. If you apply online you will have proof of your application. You can also apply in person at your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office. Your local MDHHS office has to give you a paper application form if you ask for it. You can also print an application form and fill it out before going to MDHHS.
To learn more about the application process, read the “How Do I Apply” section in An Overview of the State Disability Assistance Program (SDA).
If you are approved, you will get a Bridge Card. A Bridge Card is like a debit card that can be used at many stores and markets. You can use your Bridge Card to withdraw cash at ATMs. There are some restrictions on what you may buy with your Bridge Card. If you need to order a new Bridge Card, call 888-678-8914.
Yes, there are restrictions on how you can spend SDA benefits. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) policy says that you are not allowed to use your Bridge Card to pay for:
• Lottery tickets or other gambling activities
• Alcohol or tobacco
• Illegal activities
MDHHS also says that you can’t use your Bridge Card at any of these types of businesses:
• Spas or massage parlors
• Tattoo shops
• Bail bond agencies
• Adult entertainment
• Cruise ships
If the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) denies your application for benefits and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to ask for a hearing. You can use the Do-It-Yourself MDHHS Hearing Request tool to fill out the form you need to ask for a hearing. Make a copy of the form to keep for your records.
All legal cases have time limits, and it is important to appeal on time. The limit for MDHHS appeals is 90 days from the date on the notice. In some cases, it may be advisable to both reapply and request a hearing. You may want to consider talking to an attorney about your appeal. Use the Guide to Legal Help to see if you qualify for free legal help from your local legal services office. Even if they are not able to represent you, they could still offer you advice and other help.
Sometimes it is hard to reach your caseworker. Here are some quick tips if you are having trouble:
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Leave a message telling your caseworker when and where you can be reached;
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Send an e-mail or letter to your caseworker;
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See if your local legal services or legal aid office can to help you. Use the Guide to Legal Help to find legal services near you;
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Schedule a walk-in appointment;
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If there is a deadline involved, request a hearing in writing.
To learn more, read What if My Case Worker Won’t Call Me Back?.