If you are Deaf in Florida, you may qualify for federal and state benefits such as SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, and new programs supporting work and health coverage. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To get federal disability benefits in the U.S., you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For Deafness, this means your hearing loss is severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work. You must also meet work history requirements for SSDI or income limits for SSI. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get SSDI or SSI. Family members may also qualify for benefits based on your record[6][7][5].
In Florida, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations for federal programs like SSDI and SSI. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers and other support programs for people with disabilities. In 2025, Florida is launching a Medicaid buy-in program for working individuals with disabilities, which will help those whose income is too high for traditional Medicaid but who still need health coverage. This program will adjust premiums and cost-sharing based on income, making it more affordable for people who want to work and stay healthy[2][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE United program. These accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses[9].
Always report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes. For Medicaid, report changes through ACCESS Florida[9].
Florida is launching a Medicaid buy-in program for working individuals with disabilities in 2025. This will help people who earn too much for traditional Medicaid but still need health coverage. Watch for updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. If you earn more than this, you usually cannot get SSDI or SSI[6][7].
Yes, you can work and get disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program in 2025 will also help working people with disabilities keep health coverage[2].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income or work history[6][9].
This new Florida program lets working people with disabilities buy Medicaid coverage if their income is too high for traditional Medicaid. Premiums and cost-sharing are based on income[2].
Yes, if your income is below the limit for traditional Medicaid. If your income is higher, watch for the new Medicaid buy-in program in 2025, which will let you buy coverage based on your income[2].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses[9].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, always report changes to the SSA and Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay[9].
Florida offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and support from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The new Medicaid buy-in program in 2025 will also help working people with disabilities[4][2].
Deafness must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work. You must also meet work history requirements for SSDI or income limits for SSI[6][5].
The maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for a couple[5].
