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Florida • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Florida, you may qualify for programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state supports to help with costs and care. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, explanations between SSI and SSDI, income limits, ABLE accounts, and where to get more help.
To qualify for federal disability programs with asthma, you must prove your asthma is severe, lasts at least 12 months, and significantly limits your ability to work, even with treatment. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must also have very low income and resources ($2,000 or less for individuals, $3,000 for couples) and meet citizenship or immigration rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a work history and have paid into Social Security, but there is no resource limit—only a monthly income limit ($1,620 for 2025 for non-blind people, $2,700 if blind), called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)[6][1].
Florida does not offer state-specific cash benefits for asthma, but residents may qualify for federal SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. Florida’s Adult Protective Services (APS) provides limited in-home support and small subsidies for adults with disabilities whose asthma or other chronic illness prevents independent living. These services are only for adults aged 18–59, have a waiting list, and are not asthma-specific. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations processes federal and state medical eligibility for disability benefits[3][4]. For all Florida resources and updates, check the state benefits hub.
For SSI/SSDI (Federal): Apply online at SSA.gov (this works for both programs). You’ll need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records (doctor’s notes, test results, hospital records), work history, and financial records (bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns). For both SSI and SSDI, SSA will review your medical evidence to see if your asthma meets “disabling” criteria—that it’s severe, long-term, and prevents any “substantial” work. For SSI, you must also complete a financial interview to prove low income and resources. For SSDI, you must have enough work credits from past jobs. For Florida Medicaid: Apply online at the ACCESS Florida portal or by calling 1-866-762-2237. You’ll need similar documents as for SSI, but the process is faster if already approved for SSI. For in-home services: Contact your local Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adult Protective Services office to be added to the waitlist for in-home case management or subsidies. For children: Apply for SSI at SSA.gov if your child’s asthma is severe. For emergencies: All Floridians with asthma should register with their county’s Special Needs Registry if medically dependent on electricity or need evacuation help. Keep all application confirmation numbers and follow up by phone or online.
SSI and SSDI are the main federal cash benefits for people with disabilities like asthma if the condition is severe. Medicaid provides health coverage, often automatically with SSI. Medicare starts after 24 months on SSDI. Children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low. ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI/SSDI asset limits. Work incentives help you try working without losing benefits right away. See our SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid vs Medicare guides for more.
Florida Medicaid covers asthma medications, doctor visits, and hospital care for eligible low-income residents. ACCESS Florida is the single portal for food, cash, and medical assistance. The Adult Protective Services (APS) Home and Community-Based Service Program gives limited in-home case management and small subsidies to adults (18–59) whose asthma or other chronic illnesses severely limit independent living. Note: This program is not asthma-specific and has a waitlist. The Florida Department of Health oversees disability determinations and the state’s Special Needs Registry for emergency preparedness. Florida does not add state SSI supplements, but federal SSI is available. Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program and Agency for Persons with Disabilities serve other populations and do not focus on asthma. For a full list, see All benefits in your state.
ABLE accounts let Floridians with disabilities (including asthma if it began before age 26) save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility. These accounts help pay for education, housing, transportation, and medical expenses. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI: $1,325/month income and $2,000 in resources for individuals in 2025[2]. SSDI: No resource limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) in 2025 without risking benefits[6]. Medicaid: Same income/resource rules as SSI via Aged, Blind, and Disabled pathway. Earned income rules differ for each program—see our SSI Income Estimator tool and SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to SSA and Florida Medicaid. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes, and must be repaid. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for details and how to appeal.
If your asthma makes you medically dependent on electricity (e.g., for nebulizers), register with your county’s Special Needs Registry through the Florida Department of Health. This helps ensure you receive assistance during hurricanes or other disasters.
Many Florida in-home and waiver programs have long waiting lists. Apply early and check back regularly for updates.
Yes, if your asthma is severe, chronic, and prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. There are no asthma-only state cash programs, but Florida offers supports for all residents with disabilities affecting daily life.
No, Florida does not add a state supplement to federal SSI payments. SSI recipients get the standard federal amount only[2].
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. Gather medical records and financial documents before you start.
The federal SSI income limit is $1,325/month for individuals and $2,000 in resources. Couples can have $3,000 in resources[2].
Yes, Florida’s Adult Protective Services may provide case management and a small subsidy for adults with disabilities (18–59) who cannot live independently, but there is a waitlist[3].
Yes, if the asthma is severe and the family’s income/resources are low, children may qualify for SSI. Apply at SSA.gov.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility and benefits may change. Always confirm details with official agencies.
You can work a little without losing benefits, but earnings over the monthly limit ($1,620 for SSDI in 2025) may reduce or stop payments. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#internal_links) for details.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. If your asthma began before age 26, you may qualify.
Report to SSA (for SSI/SSDI) and ACCESS Florida (for Medicaid). See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](#internal_links) guide.
