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Florida • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Florida, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and other state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with COPD, you must have a severe impairment that prevents you from working and earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). You must also have enough work credits from recent employment. SSDI does not have a resource limit, but there is a monthly earnings cap. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources (under $2,000 for an individual). SSI is for people with disabilities, including COPD, who have low income and few assets. Both programs require medical proof of disability. The Social Security Administration reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility.
For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation.
In Florida, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Florida Department of Health's Division of Disability Determinations. They review medical evidence to decide if you qualify for federal SSDI or SSI, as well as state programs like Medicaid and the Medically Needy program. Florida also offers special needs shelters for people with disabilities who need help during emergencies. If you have COPD and need assistance with daily living, you may qualify for Medicaid waivers and other state services. To apply, you must submit medical records and proof of income. Florida's eligibility rules follow federal guidelines, but some state programs may have additional requirements.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Learn more about Medicaid vs Medicare.
Florida offers several programs for people with COPD and other disabilities:
These programs can help with medical care, daily living, and emergency preparedness. To apply, contact your local Department of Health office or visit the agency websites.
ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. The account can be used for things like medical care, housing, education, and transportation. To qualify, you must have a disability that began before age 26. You can open an ABLE account online or through a participating bank.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts.
These limits are adjusted annually for inflation. Exceeding the limits may affect your eligibility for benefits.
If your income or medical condition changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. To avoid overpayments, report changes as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Contact your local Social Security office or the Florida Department of Health for help with your application. You can also get help from a disability advocate or legal aid organization.
The income limit for SSI in Florida in 2025 is $2,000 in resources for an individual. This limit is adjusted annually for inflation. If you have more than $2,000 in resources, you may not qualify for SSI.
Yes, you can work and receive SSDI for COPD, but your earnings must be below $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). If you earn more than this, you may lose your SSDI benefits.
You can apply for disability benefits in Florida online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income.
There is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits. Most people must also wait 24 months before they receive Medicare. There are exceptions for certain conditions like ALS.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with disabilities.
Yes, you can get Medicaid if you have COPD in Florida and meet the income and resource limits. Medicaid provides health coverage for people with disabilities and low income.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Florida's special needs shelters are emergency shelters for people with disabilities who need help during disasters. If you are medically dependent on electricity or need transportation, you can register for these shelters.
You can report changes to your disability benefits online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. It is important to report changes as soon as possible to avoid overpayments.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It can be used for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
If you are denied disability benefits, you can appeal the decision. You may need to attend a hearing. It is important to appeal as soon as possible to avoid losing your benefits.
