Bipolar Disorder Benefits in Florida: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with Bipolar Disorder, you must show that your condition is severe and expected to last at least 12 months, and that it prevents you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit to decide if your earnings are too high. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you generally cannot be considered disabled for SSI or SSDI purposes. You must also meet medical criteria, such as having marked and severe functional limitations due to your Bipolar Disorder. Work history is required for SSDI, but not for SSI, which is based on financial need[6][5].

In Florida, the Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical evidence to decide if you meet the SSA’s disability criteria for Bipolar Disorder. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services. If you are medically dependent on electricity or need help during emergencies, you can register for Florida’s special needs registry. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) may offer additional support if you meet their criteria. State-specific programs may have different rules, so it’s important to check with local agencies for details[2][4].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Decide if you need SSI (financial need) or SSDI (work history).
• Fill out the application online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Submit all required documents.
• Wait for a decision from the SSA and Florida Disability Determinations.

• Step 1: Get your medical records. You need documentation from doctors showing your Bipolar Disorder diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Check if you meet the income and resource limits for SSI, or the work history requirements for SSDI. For SSI, your resources must be under $2,000. For SSDI, you need enough work credits.
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also get help from a support professional or family member.
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 5: Wait for the SSA and Florida Disability Determinations to review your case. This can take several months.
• Step 6: If approved, you will start receiving benefits. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments[6][4][5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have a work history and cannot work due to Bipolar Disorder.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who cannot work due to Bipolar Disorder.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI for most people, or immediately for some conditions.
• Medicaid: Available for people with low income and resources, including those receiving SSI.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities[3][4].

• Florida Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Bipolar Disorder. These waivers can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports.
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD): Offers support services for people with developmental disabilities, which may include some with Bipolar Disorder if they meet the criteria.
• Special Needs Registry: For people who are medically dependent on electricity or need help during emergencies.
• Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology: Provides resources for assistive devices and technology.
• Florida Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities: Offers support and resources for people with disabilities and their families[2][4].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more[3][4].

• SSI: In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Your resources must be under $2,000.
• SSDI: No resource limit, but your earnings must be under the SGA limit to qualify.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program and household size[5][6][4].

Always report changes in your income, health, or living situation to the SSA and Florida agencies. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to discuss your options[4].

• 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
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  Phone: 1-866-273-6733

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

  Website

  For state disability services

• Can I get disability benefits for Bipolar Disorder in Florida?

  Yes, if your Bipolar Disorder is severe and prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet medical and financial criteria set by the SSA and Florida agencies[6][5].

• What is the SGA limit for Bipolar Disorder in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you generally cannot be considered disabled for SSI or SSDI[5][6].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Florida?

  Gather medical records and proof of income, decide if you need SSI or SSDI, and apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. Submit all required documents and wait for a decision[4][6].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people with a work history. Both provide monthly payments for people who cannot work due to disability[3][4].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Florida?

  You can work, but your earnings must be under the SGA limit. If you earn more than $1,620 per month (non-blind), you may lose your benefits[5][6].

• What is a Medicaid waiver in Florida?

  A Medicaid waiver provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports[2][4].