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Florida • Chronic Illness
If you have diabetes in Florida, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and new Medicaid buy-in programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available for people with diabetes in Florida.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with diabetes, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a history of work and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be limited. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people. If your monthly earnings are above these amounts, you generally cannot be considered disabled by Social Security. Children with diabetes may also qualify for SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and their income is below the limit 6, 5.
In Florida, people with diabetes may qualify for state programs if their condition meets medical and financial requirements. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the Division of Disability Determinations help decide eligibility for state and federal disability benefits. Florida is considering a new Medicaid buy-in program for working individuals with disabilities, which could help people with diabetes who earn too much for traditional Medicaid but still need medical coverage. This program would adjust premiums and cost-sharing based on income, making coverage more affordable for those who work. State programs may also offer help with food, housing, and transportation for people with disabilities 1, 3.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, education, and housing. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE United program. Contributions to the account are not taxed, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The monthly income limit for SSI is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but your monthly earnings must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size 5, 4.
If your health, income, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and other benefit programs. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible to avoid problems [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Florida is considering a new Medicaid buy-in program for working individuals with disabilities. This could help people with diabetes who earn too much for traditional Medicaid but still need medical coverage. Premiums and cost-sharing would be based on income.
Yes, diabetes can qualify for disability benefits in Florida if it causes severe complications that prevent you from working. You must meet Social Security’s medical and financial requirements for SSI or SSDI.
Florida is considering a Medicaid buy-in program that would let working people with disabilities buy Medicaid coverage, even if their income is too high for traditional Medicaid. Premiums and cost-sharing would be based on income.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history.
For SSI in 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual. The monthly income limit is $943 for an individual. For SSDI, your monthly earnings must be below $1,620 for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people.
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 for non-blind people and $2,700 for blind people.
People with diabetes in Florida may qualify for help with medical bills, food, housing, and transportation through state and federal programs. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities and other agencies offer support services.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized assistance.
You must report changes in your health, income, or living situation to Social Security and other benefit programs as soon as possible. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, education, and housing.
Yes, Florida has special needs shelters for people with disabilities who need medical support during disasters. You can register for these shelters through the Florida Department of Health.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days. You may need to attend a hearing. You can also get help from a disability advocate or attorney.
