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Florida • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Florida, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSDI, SSI, Medicaid waivers, and home care. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a total and lasting disability that prevents you from working. For cancer, this means your condition must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. In 2025, if you earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind), you generally cannot be considered disabled for SSDI. You must also have enough work credits based on your age and work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For SSI, your resources cannot be worth more than $2,000. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability.
In Florida, adults with cancer who are 18–59 years old and have permanent physical or mental limitations may qualify for home and community-based services. These programs help you stay in your home instead of a nursing home. You may get case management and a small subsidy for housing, food, clothing, and medical costs not covered by insurance. If you are on a waiting list, you will be enrolled when funding is available. Florida also offers special needs shelters and emergency support for those who depend on medical equipment or need help during disasters. The Division of Disability Determinations makes medical eligibility decisions for federal and state disability programs.
Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and a severe disability. For SSI, you need limited income and resources.
Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and work history.
Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
Step 4: For Florida home care, call Adult Protective Services or visit their website to apply for in-home services.
Step 5: If you need emergency help, register for the special needs shelter list.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who cannot work due to a disability and have a work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
Medicare: Health coverage for those who get SSDI after 24 months.
Adult Protective Services Home and Community-Based Services: Case management and a small subsidy for in-home care for adults 18–59 with disabilities. Helps with housing, food, clothing, and medical costs not covered by insurance.
Special Needs Shelters: Emergency support for those who depend on medical equipment or need help during disasters.
Florida Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions.
Division of Disability Determinations: Makes medical eligibility decisions for federal and state disability programs.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account to pay for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
For SSDI in 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, your resources cannot be worth more than $2,000. If you earn more than the SGA limit, you may lose SSDI benefits. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible.
You can ask a family member, friend, or support professional to help you fill out your application for government benefits.
If you depend on medical equipment or need help during disasters, register for the special needs shelter list in Florida.
Yes, if your cancer is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or results in death, and you have enough work credits. You must also meet the SGA income limit.
The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your benefits.
Yes, if you have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Your resources cannot be worth more than $2,000 to qualify for SSI.
Florida offers home and community-based services for adults 18–59 with disabilities. These include case management and a small subsidy for housing, food, clothing, and medical costs not covered by insurance.
Contact your local Medicaid office or visit the Florida Medicaid website to apply for waivers. These programs help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions.
An ABLE account lets you save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for housing, education, transportation, and more.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.
Florida offers special needs shelters and emergency support for those who depend on medical equipment or need help during disasters. Register for the special needs shelter list for assistance.
Yes, but there are income limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit. For SSI, your resources cannot be worth more than $2,000. Always report changes in income.
The approval process can take several months. It depends on how quickly the Social Security Administration can review your medical records and work history.
