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Florida • Neurological/Developmental
People with epilepsy in Florida may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and support programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe epilepsy condition that prevents you from working at the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. You must also have enough work credits based on your age and employment history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For 2025, SSI has a resource limit of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Both programs require medical proof that epilepsy causes marked and severe functional limitations [6][5].
In Florida, eligibility for SSI and SSDI follows federal rules. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations makes medical eligibility decisions for Social Security disability programs. If you have epilepsy and it prevents you from working, you may qualify for these benefits. Florida also offers Medicaid for those who meet income and disability criteria. Special needs shelters and emergency planning resources are available for people with epilepsy who rely on medical equipment or need evacuation help. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities may offer additional support for those with developmental disabilities, which can include some forms of epilepsy [2][4].
ABLE accounts let people with epilepsy save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Learn more about Florida ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
If you rely on medical equipment or need help during emergencies, register for Florida’s special needs registry. This ensures you get support during disasters.
Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must provide medical proof that your seizures cause marked and severe functional limitations. Florida follows federal rules for eligibility [6][5].
In 2025, the SSI resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Income limits change yearly. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check your eligibility [5][4].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month if you are not blind, or $2,700 if you are blind, and still qualify for SSDI. Earnings above this limit may affect your benefits [6][3].
Yes, Florida offers Medicaid for people with epilepsy who meet income and disability criteria. You can apply through ACCESS Florida or with help from the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities [4][2].
The Florida special needs registry helps people with disabilities get help during emergencies. If you rely on medical equipment or need evacuation help, register to get support during disasters [2].
Yes, the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology provides resources for assistive devices and technology for people with disabilities, including epilepsy [2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
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 information about your income and work history [6][4].
If your epilepsy gets worse, report the change to the Social Security Administration. Your benefits may be adjusted based on your new medical condition [6][4].
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. There are work incentives and trial work periods that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits [internal_link: SSI & SSDI Work Incentives].
Yes, Florida offers special needs shelters for people with disabilities who need medical equipment or evacuation help during emergencies. Register on the special needs registry to get support [2].
