The BasicsMyth 1: I Can't WorkMyth 2: If I Work, I'll Lose SSI/SSDIMyth 3: If I Work, I'll Lose Health BenefitsMyth 4: If I Work, I'll Lose Disability StatusMyth 5: I Can't Get Help Finding WorkMyth 6: I Can't Afford to WorkMyth 7: If My Benefits Stop, I'll Never Get Them AgainNext Steps

Getting Past the Myths

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    Getting Past the Myths

    Next Steps

    Find a Job

    Contact a Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) office in your area to learn about the services MRS offers and how to qualify. The program helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep a job. If you are blind, contact the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) instead.

    Michigan Works! One Stop Service Centers can help you find a job and plan for your career. For a Service Center near you, call 1-800-285-9675 (1-800-285-WORKS) or visit michiganworks.org to search for nearby One Stop Service Centers.

    Pure Michigan Talent Connect is an online service where you can look for jobs.

    The U.S. Department of Labor's My Skills, My Future website helps job seekers match their skills with new careers and find out what training is needed to move from one job to another.

    Apply for Benefits

    You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):

    You can also apply for SSDI online. If you have an appointment with Social Security, it's a good idea to review the Disability Starter Kit to prepare.

    You can apply for Medicaid, Freedom to Work, the Food Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps), or the Family Independence Program (FIP):

    You can also apply for Medicaid or individual health insurance using HealthCare.gov.

    Ticket to Work

    Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities who get Social Security benefits re-enter the workforce and become more independent. The Ticket to Work Program offers free access to employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation.

    Benefits Planning Services

    If you're currently on SSI, SSDI, or DAC benefits, and you're looking for a job, a trained Benefits Planner can help you avoid problems with your job plan. If you need help or have questions about your situation, you can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST.

    View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.

    Learn more

    Programs That Support Work

    Learn about programs that can help you prepare for and find work.

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    SSI helps people with disabilities and seniors who have low income and resources.

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    SSDI helps people with disabilities who worked and paid Social Security taxes.