If you have depression in Florida, you may qualify for federal and state benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and new work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with depression, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions called the Blue Book. Depression is listed under Section 12.04, Depressive, Bipolar and Related Disorders. You must meet specific criteria, such as having symptoms like poor concentration, loss of interest, or suicidal thoughts, and these must seriously limit your ability to work or do daily activities. You also must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [6]. If you meet these rules, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI [6].
In Florida, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but the state also offers extra programs. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical evidence to decide if you qualify for federal disability programs. Florida is also launching a Medicaid buy-in program for working people with disabilities in 2025. This program will help people who work but earn too much for regular Medicaid. It will let them buy Medicaid coverage based on their income, so they can keep working and still get health care [2]. Florida also has Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need extra support at home or in the community [4].
Florida offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These let you save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for things like housing, education, and health care. To open an ABLE account, visit the Florida ABLE website or talk to your bank [4].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports and changes [5].
Florida is launching a Medicaid buy-in program for working people with disabilities in 2025. This will let you buy Medicaid coverage based on your income, so you can keep working and still get health care [2].
Yes, if your depression is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA criteria. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Florida also offers Medicaid and other programs for people with disabilities [6].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Medicaid income limits vary by program. Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program will base premiums on income [6][2].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply at your local Department of Children and Families office or online at ACCESS Florida. Ask about Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support [6][4].
Yes, if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program will let working people with disabilities buy Medicaid coverage based on income. This helps you keep health care while working [2][6].
Florida is launching a Medicaid buy-in program in 2025 for working people with disabilities. It will let people who earn too much for regular Medicaid buy coverage based on their income. This helps people work, save, and keep health care [2].
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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Medicaid waivers in Florida help people with disabilities get extra support at home or in the community. They can pay for home care, therapy, and other services. Ask your local Medicaid office about waivers for mental health or developmental disabilities [4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year. Use the money for things like housing, education, and health care [4].
Report changes to the SSA and Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all reports and changes [5].
If you earn more than the SGA limit, you may lose SSDI or SSI benefits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program may help if you work and earn more [6][2].
You can get help from your local Social Security office, Department of Children and Families, or a disability advocacy group. Florida also has special needs shelters and emergency support for people with disabilities [4].
