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Florida • Learning
Florida offers a range of state and federal benefits for people with learning disabilities like dyscalculia, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and special education services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, programs, income rules, and where to get help in Florida.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), you or your child must have a severe, medically documented impairment that prevents ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[4][6]. For children under 18, SSI requires the disability to result in ‘marked and severe functional limitations’[5]. For adults, SSDI depends on work credits (paid through payroll taxes), while SSI is needs-based, considering income and resources[4]. Income and asset limits apply—if you earn over the yearly SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), you may not qualify[2][6]. Family members of disabled individuals may sometimes qualify for dependent benefits under SSDI[4].
In Florida, the Division of Disability Determinations (DOH) reviews applications for SSI and SSDI, using federal rules for medical eligibility[3]. State-specific programs for people with learning disabilities like dyscalculia focus on education and community support rather than direct cash benefits. Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) mainly serves individuals with developmental disabilities—dyscalculia alone may not qualify, but overlapping conditions might. For children, the Florida Department of Education offers Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans in public schools if dyscalculia impacts learning. The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program does not cover learning disabilities. State Medicaid may offer waivers for additional services, but dyscalculia alone is unlikely to qualify—combined with other disabilities, a waiver could apply. Florida’s DOH maintains a Special Needs Registry for emergency preparedness[3].
1. Confirm Diagnosis & Impact Have your doctor or a specialist document your dyscalculia diagnosis and how it limits major life activities, work, or learning. School records can help for children.
2. Review Federal Eligibility For SSI, check that your income and assets are below the annual limit. For SSDI, review your work credits using your Social Security statement[4].
3. Apply for SSI/SSDI Complete the online application at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local office. Be ready with Social Security numbers, birth certificates, medical records, and proof of income/assets.
4. Florida-Specific Steps After you apply, Florida’s Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical eligibility using SSA rules[3]. For children, educational evaluations by school districts can support SSI claims. Florida DOH’s Disability Determination office can answer questions but not approve claims.
5. Pursue School & Community Supports If in school, request a special education evaluation. Florida’s Department of Education oversees IEPs and 504 plans for learning disabilities. Community organizations may offer tutoring, advocacy, and social services.
6. Explore Medicaid & Waivers If eligible, apply for Medicaid for health coverage. Medically needy waivers may help if you have high medical expenses but exceed Medicaid income limits.
7. Report Changes If your income, work status, or living situation changes, report it promptly to SSA and Florida Medicaid to avoid overpayment issues and maintain your benefits.
Two main federal programs help people with disabilities like dyscalculia:
Florida offers several state-led supports, though few provide direct cash assistance for learning disabilities alone:
State-specific Medicaid programs and waivers may help with health care costs, but are generally not designed for learning disabilities alone. Medically needy programs exist for those with high medical expenses and income above standard Medicaid limits. For the most current options, check FloridaHealth.gov and the Agency for Health Care Administration.
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025) without affecting SSI and Medicaid eligibility, as long as balances stay under $100,000. This helps cover qualified disability expenses, including education, housing, and assistive technology.
If your income, assets, living situation, or work status changes, report it immediately to the Social Security Administration and Florida Medicaid. Delays can lead to overpayments, which you must repay, or loss of benefits. See our guide to Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
Dyscalculia alone rarely qualifies for Florida’s developmental disability services. For direct support, focus on federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) and school-based accommodations. If you have multiple disabilities, explore all options.
If you are a student with dyscalculia, ask your school for a special education evaluation. Florida public schools must provide accommodations and services if your disability affects learning.
Yes, if your dyscalculia is severe enough to prevent ‘substantial gainful activity’ for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Medical documentation and proof of impact on work are required. SSI also has strict income and asset limits[4][6].
Yes, Florida public schools provide IEPs and 504 plans for students whose dyscalculia affects learning. Accommodations might include extra time, assistive technology, or specialized instruction.
Yes, as long as you earn less than the SGA limit ($1,530/month for non-blind adults in 2025). SSI and SSDI have work incentives and trial work periods—see our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details[2].
Medicaid covers basic health services. Waivers for additional supports typically require a developmental or physical disability; dyscalculia alone does not usually qualify, but exceptions may apply if combined with other conditions.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. Savings can be used for qualified disability expenses, including education and housing. Florida offers the STABLE Florida ABLE Program.
The Special Needs Registry helps during emergencies by providing evacuation assistance, sheltering, and transportation for those medically dependent on electricity or who need health support due to a disability[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Rules and benefit amounts change often. Always check official sources for the most current information.
Possibly, if dyscalculia causes ‘marked and severe functional limitations’ and the family meets income and asset limits. The diagnosis must be well-documented, and school records often support the claim[5].
Start at SSA.gov for federal benefits. For Medicaid and state services, apply at the ACCESS Florida portal or your local Department of Children and Families office.
You have the right to appeal. Gather more medical evidence, get help from an advocate or lawyer, and file your appeal by the deadline on your denial letter.
The SSA adjusts SGA and income limits each year based on inflation. In 2025, the limit for non-blind individuals is $1,530/month for SSDI and $1,620/month for SSI[2][5][6].
