Home Help pay counts as real, reportable earned income for the caregiver, which means it can affect both unemployment benefits and SSDI. The two programs treat it differently, so it's worth understanding both before you enroll as a paid caregiver.
If you're collecting unemployment
Michigan's unemployment system generally requires you to be able and available for full-time work and to report any earnings during your weekly certification, including Home Help pay. Part-time caregiving income typically reduces your benefit rather than eliminating it outright, but it has to be reported accurately. Confirm the specifics with Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency, since exact rules and formulas can change.
If you're receiving SSDI
The Social Security Administration uses a "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) threshold — $1,690 per month in gross earnings for 2026 — to evaluate whether someone receiving SSDI is working at a level that could affect their claim. A caregiver working close to full approved Home Help hours at $17.13/hr can realistically approach or exceed that figure, which is worth running the numbers on before enrolling. A call to SSA or a benefits counselor can confirm how it applies to your specific case.
If you're receiving SSI yourself
SSI has its own, generally stricter, income rules that work differently from SSDI's SGA test — your own earnings can reduce your SSI payment above certain small exclusions. Again, this is general information; SSA can confirm your specific numbers.
This is general information, not personalized benefits advice
We're not a benefits counselor or attorney, and the right answer depends on your specific claim and income. Use this as a starting point for a conversation with SSA, Michigan's UIA, or a qualified benefits counselor before making enrollment decisions.
