If you have dyslexia and live in Florida, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and state education support. Getting help starts with understanding your options, checking eligibility, and applying the right way. This guide covers federal and state programs, step-by-step how to apply, and common questions.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), your dyslexia must cause “marked and severe functional limitations” and prevent you (or your child) from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). For 2025, SGA means earning over $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind). Income, resources, and household status also affect SSI eligibility. SSDI requires enough work credits. Children must meet strict medical and financial rules. Family income and assets are counted for SSI, but not SSDI[3][4][7].
In Florida, the Division of Disability Determinations decides if you meet federal medical criteria for SSI and SSDI. While Florida does not offer state disability cash payments, it provides Medicaid, education supports, and waivers for eligible residents. Medicaid waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, HCBS) may help if you have both a disability and high medical needs. Florida also has ABLE accounts for saving without risking federal benefits. State-specific information for adults with dyslexia focuses on access to reasonable accommodations in education and workplace settings, rather than direct disability payments. Start with the Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Education for local services and advocacy[2].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to low-income people with disabilities, including children, based on financial need and medical severity. The maximum federal benefit for 2025 is $967/month for an individual. SSI is available even if you have never worked[3].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Offers monthly benefits to adults who have worked and paid into Social Security, but can no longer work due to a severe disability. Family members may also qualify. There is a 5-month waiting period for payments[3][6].
Medicare & Medicaid: After 24 months on SSDI, you may get Medicare. Medicaid offers health coverage for low-income Floridians with disabilities. Some people qualify for both.
ABLE Accounts: Save up to $18,000/year in a tax-advantaged account without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses[3].
State-specific information is limited; start here:
Florida Medicaid: Covers health services for eligible residents with disabilities, including some with learning disabilities. The Medically Needy program helps those with high medical bills who don’t qualify for regular Medicaid[2].
Education Supports: The Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Exceptional Student Education works with school districts to provide accommodations and specialized instruction for students with dyslexia. Request an IEP or 504 Plan through your local school[2].
Florida Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD): While focused on autism, CARD may provide resources for families affected by dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Florida ABLE United: Florida’s official ABLE program allows residents to save for disability expenses without losing benefits.
Emergency Preparedness: Register with the Florida Special Needs Registry if you have a disability and may need help during emergencies[2].
For other supports, contact the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations or the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Florida ABLE United (ableunited.com) is the state’s ABLE program. You can save up to $18,000/year, and accounts under $100,000 do not count against SSI asset limits. Use funds for qualified disability expenses, including education, housing, and assistive technology.
SSI has strict income and asset limits—for 2025, individuals can get up to $967/month if they meet all requirements. If you earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind, $2,700 if blind), you generally cannot get SSDI or SSI based on disability. Family income and resources affect children’s SSI eligibility[3][4][7].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit cuts or repayment demands. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for help.
If you rely on electricity for medical equipment or need help during emergencies, sign up for the Florida Special Needs Registry. This ensures you receive help during disasters like hurricanes[2].
Florida law requires schools to test and provide accommodations for students with dyslexia. Request an evaluation for an IEP or 504 Plan to get the support your child needs in school[2].
ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Open a Florida ABLE United account to pay for housing, education, assistive tech, and more.
SSI or SSDI are possible if your dyslexia causes severe, long-term limitations in work or daily life. Most people with dyslexia do not qualify unless they have additional disabilities. SSI also depends on your income and assets, while SSDI requires a work history[3][4][7].
Florida does not offer state disability cash payments for dyslexia. Benefits focus on education supports, Medicaid health coverage, and ABLE accounts for saving. Adults should look into workplace accommodations and local disability organizations for help[2].
Contact your local school district to request an evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. The Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Exceptional Student Education oversees these supports. Advocacy groups can also help if you face barriers[2].
Medicaid waivers (like HCBS) provide extra services at home or in the community. They are usually for people with significant medical needs beyond a learning disability. Check with Florida Medicaid to see if you qualify[2].
Yes, but there are limits. For 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) from work and keep SSDI or SSI based on disability. Blind individuals have a higher limit. See our **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** guide for details[1][3][7].
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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SSI and SSDI payment amounts may increase each year with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For 2025, the COLA is 2.5%[1].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Florida’s ABLE United program is open to residents who became disabled before age 26. It’s a smart way to build financial independence.
You have the right to appeal. Gather more medical evidence and consider getting help from Disability Rights Florida or a legal aid office. Appeals can take time, so start early.
Yes, you can register with the Florida Special Needs Registry to get help during emergencies like hurricanes. This is important if you depend on medical equipment or need help evacuating[2].
Many Floridians with disabilities qualify for both. Medicare starts after 24 months on SSDI. Medicaid is based on income and need. Together, they can cover most health care costs.
