Ann Arbor is the sixth largest city in Michigan, with a population of nearly 114,000. The city’s history and economic development are both tied closely to the University of Michigan, which relocated to Ann Arbor from Detroit in 1837. The University employs 30,000 people directly, either working for the university proper, the medical center, or other peripheral functions.
With nearly a quarter of its population employed by the University, it might be easy to assume that Ann Arbor’s entire economy is tied in to the University of Michigan. While it’s certainly true that U of M is the most significant employer in the region, there are other major employers, including Pfizer, Borders Books, Arbor Networks, General Motors, Visteon, MediaSpan, and Google. The city also has a wide variety of smaller employers in high tech industry and bio-engineering. The proximity of a prestigious research university attracts many of these companies.
As might be expected in a city whose existence revolves around a major university, a high percentage (69.3%) of Ann Arbor’s residents possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Nearly 40% possess a graduate level degree (Master’s or Doctorate).
Disability rates are low in Ann Arbor, with only slightly more than 10% reporting some form of disability. Of those who do live with a disability, nearly 65% are able to find full time, gainful employment. This is in part due to the high level of education amongst Ann Arbor residents, and in part due to the relatively high percentage of available jobs being sedentary in nature. The rate of employment amongst disabled persons in Ann Arbor is relatively close to the employment rate amongst people who report no disability (75%) compared to most areas of the country.
In part because of the political leanings in Ann Arbor, there are an abundance of programs available to those who have disabilities (another factor in the high employment rate of disabled persons in Ann Arbor). If, however, you live in Ann Arbor and cannot continue to work due to a medical or mental condition, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Social Security Disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, are in place to ensure that completely disabled individuals are able to maintain some form of income despite being unable to work. To qualify, you must be completely unable to perform any sort of full time work which is available anywhere in the country to a person of your educational level of education and work experience.
Apply for Ann Arbor Social Security Disability Benefits
The application process for SSD benefits typically takes about three to six months, provided your claim is accepted the first time through. In reality, less than a third of all claims are initially accepted. In most cases, disability claimants will have to go through the appeals process in order to actually receive Social Security Disability benefits. This takes an additional six months to a year, in most cases. Occasionally, it takes much longer.
The best way to have your claim approved on the first time through is to have a professional representative help you put your claim together. Ann Arbor Social Security Disability lawyers know what needs to be included in your claim before the SSA will approve you. They know how to work with your doctors and other health professionals to ensure that your medical file is presented in a way that will maximize your chances of an early approval.
If you do end up in the appeals process, an Ann Arbor Social Security lawyer can be indispensable. Even if you filed your claim by yourself, you should consider hiring a disability lawyer to help you with the appeals process. Your Ann Arbor Social Security attorney won’t be paid unless you are awarded benefits by the Social Security Administration.
Anyone living in Michigan can apply for SSI (or SSDI) at their closest Social Security office in Michigan.
Ann Arbor Social Security Disability Resources
The importance of continuing under a doctor’s care cannot be stressed enough. Failure to follow doctors’ orders and failure to continue receiving treatment for a disabling condition are amongst the most common reasons otherwise legitimate disability claims are denied.
If you can’t afford to continue medical treatment with your own doctor, visit one of these nearby free health clinics:
Western Wayne Family Health Center
2500 Hamlin Dr.
Inkster, MI 48141
(313) 561-5100
Family Medical Center
130 Medical Center Dr.
Carleton, MI 48117
(734) 654-2169, ext 400
Western Wayne Family Health Center
2500 Hamlin Dr.
Inkster, MI 48141
(313) 561-5100
Your Ann Arbor Disability Claim
Don’t let fear of the process stop you from filing a Social Security Disability claim. If you are completely disabled and unable to work, notify the SSA of your intent to file for disability benefits, then contact an Ann Arbor Social Security attorney.
