Amputation Benefits in Florida: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with amputation, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) medical and work criteria. For SSDI, you need a qualifying work history and a severe impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA). For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Amputation of both hands, one or both legs, or certain other criteria may automatically qualify under SSA’s Listing of Impairments. If not, you may still qualify if your amputation causes marked and severe functional limitations.

• Must be unable to work due to disability for at least 12 months.
• Must not earn more than SGA limits.
• Must have a severe medical condition that meets SSA criteria.
• Must meet work credit requirements for SSDI (based on age and work history).
• Must meet income and resource limits for SSI.

SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-05)

In Florida, people with amputation may qualify for state programs in addition to federal benefits. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations makes medical eligibility decisions for federal disability programs. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with personal care, assistive technology, and other supports. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) provides services for people with certain disabilities, including amputation if it meets eligibility criteria. Special needs registries and disaster preparedness resources are available for those who are medically dependent.

• Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
• Register for special needs shelters if you need assistance during emergencies.
• Contact local health departments for additional support and resources.

Florida Department of Health - Disability Determinations (accessed 2025-11-05) Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Review eligibility for SSDI and SSI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local SSA office.
• Apply for Florida Medicaid waivers if needed.
• Register for special needs services if applicable.
• Report any changes in income or status.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your amputation, including surgery reports, rehabilitation notes, and any ongoing treatment.
• Step 2: Review the SSA’s Listing of Impairments to see if your amputation meets automatic qualification criteria.
• Step 3: Determine if you have enough work credits for SSDI or if you qualify for SSI based on income and resources.
• Step 4: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You may also apply for both if you meet criteria.
• Step 5: If approved, you may need to wait 5 months for SSDI payments and 24 months for Medicare (exceptions for ALS and ESRD).
• Step 6: Apply for Florida Medicaid waivers through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities or local health department.
• Step 7: Register for special needs services if you need assistance during emergencies.
• Step 8: Report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments.

SSA Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-05) Florida Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, and are unable to work due to disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI (exceptions for ALS and ESRD).
• Medicaid: Available for those who qualify for SSI or meet income/resource criteria.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

SSA Benefits Overview (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Florida Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including personal care, assistive technology, and respite care.
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD): Offers case management, residential services, and support for people with certain disabilities.
• Special Needs Registry: For people who need assistance during emergencies or evacuations.
• Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Resource Center: Provides educational resources and support.
• Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology: Helps with assistive technology and devices.
• Florida Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities: Provides support for people with developmental disabilities.
• Florida Developmental Disabilities Council: Advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities.
• Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Support for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Florida Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05) Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-05) Florida Department of Health - Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05)

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year (2025), and the account balance does not count toward SSI resource limits up to $100,000. ABLE accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.

Florida ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earnings above these limits may affect eligibility for SSDI and SSI. SSI has additional income and resource limits: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Some income is not counted, such as the first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earned income plus half of the remainder.

SSA SGA Limits 2025 (accessed 2025-11-05)

It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and affect future benefits. Report changes promptly to SSA and state agencies. Keep records of all communications and payments.

SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal disability benefits and questions.
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  Phone: 1-866-282-2363

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For state disability services and Medicaid waivers.

• Can amputation qualify for SSDI or SSI in Florida?

  Yes, amputation can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets SSA medical criteria and you meet work or income requirements. Automatic qualification may apply for certain amputations, or you may qualify based on functional limitations.

• What are the 2025 SGA limits for amputation benefits?

  For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earnings above these limits may affect eligibility for SSDI and SSI.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Florida with amputation?

  Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities or your local health department. You may need to meet medical and financial eligibility criteria.

• What is the waiting period for SSDI and Medicare with amputation?

  There is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI payments and a 24-month waiting period for Medicare, except for ALS and ESRD, which have no waiting period.

• Can I work while receiving amputation benefits in Florida?

  You can work, but your earnings must not exceed the SGA limit. Work incentives and trial work periods may allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits.

• What state programs are available for people with amputation in Florida?

  Florida offers Medicaid waivers, special needs registries, and support services through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities and other agencies.