Open a Purple account in minutes. Banking built for people with disabilities.
Florida • Chronic Illness
If you have fibromyalgia in Florida, you may be eligible for federal programs like SSI, SSDI, and Medicare, as well as state programs such as Medicaid and the new Medicaid buy-in for working people with disabilities. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and special Florida resources.
Federal disability programs SSI and SSDI help people who can’t work due to a disability like fibromyalgia. For SSI, you must have very limited income and resources (under $2,000 for an individual), and meet strict medical rules proving your condition causes “marked and severe functional limitations”[3][4]. SSDI is based on your work history and how much you’ve paid into Social Security. In 2025, if you earn over $1,620 per month (non-blind), you generally won’t qualify as disabled[4][6]. Children with disabilities may also qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low enough[4]. Medicare is available after 24 months on SSDI.
Florida-specific rules start with Medicaid, which may cover adults and children with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations helps decide if you’re medically eligible for federal disability benefits and state Medicaid[2]. New in 2025: HB 1373 creates a Medicaid buy-in for working Floridians with disabilities who earn too much for traditional Medicaid—this adjusts premiums and cost-sharing based on income[1]. If you have a chronic illness like fibromyalgia and can’t work, or if you work but have high medical costs, explore both traditional Medicaid and the new buy-in option. Florida does not have a separate state disability payment program, but you may qualify for other assistance based on need.
To apply for SSI/SSDI:
To apply for Florida Medicaid:
For other state resources:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefit for people with disabilities who have very low income and resources. Fibromyalgia can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work[3][4].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefit based on your work history. You must have paid enough into Social Security and meet the medical definition of disability[3].
Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI (after a 24-month waiting period) or those 65 and older.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, allowing you to save without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
Work Incentives: Programs that let you test working without losing benefits right away—important for people with chronic illnesses who may have good and bad periods.
Florida Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more for eligible low-income residents, including those with disabilities. If your income is too high, you may qualify under medically needy rules by showing high medical expenses[2].
Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities (2025): New Florida law (HB 1373) lets working individuals with disabilities buy into Medicaid, even if they earn too much for traditional Medicaid. Premiums and cost-sharing are based on income—this helps people stay employed without losing coverage[1].
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD): Serves people with developmental disabilities; not generally for fibromyalgia alone but may help if you have additional conditions.
Special Needs Shelters: Register if you rely on electricity or help during disasters. The Florida Department of Health manages this registry[2].
Florida does not have a separate state disability payment program. Most cash support comes from federal SSI/SSDI.
ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free. Use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses. Not all states offer ABLE accounts, but Florida residents can join the national ABLE program.
SSI limits income to $1,620/month (non-blind) in 2025 for disability eligibility. Resource limits are $2,000 for individuals. Medicaid has its own income and asset rules—check Florida’s current guidelines. The new Medicaid buy-in program sets premiums based on your income[1][4][6].
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Mistakes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you get too much in benefits, contact the agency right away. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more.
If you work but have a disability like fibromyalgia, Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program (HB 1373, 2025) may let you keep health coverage even if your income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on your income—check eligibility if you’re working and need affordable care[1].
Gather all your doctor’s notes, test results, and a daily symptom journal before applying—this helps prove how fibromyalgia affects your ability to work.
Yes, if your fibromyalgia is severe enough to prevent work and you meet income and resource limits for SSI or have enough work history for SSDI. You must provide strong medical evidence of your limitations.
In 2025, SSI looks at both income and resources. You generally cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or have resources over $2,000 (individual) to qualify[4][6].
No, Florida does not have a separate state disability payment program. Most cash support comes from federal SSI/SSDI. Florida Medicaid may help with health coverage, especially if you have high medical costs.
HB 1373 (2025) allows working people with disabilities to buy into Medicaid if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums and cost-sharing are based on income—helping you keep working without losing health coverage[1].
Apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You’ll need medical records showing your fibromyalgia limits your ability to work and details of your work history.
Yes, especially under the new Medicaid buy-in for working people with disabilities. Premiums are based on your income, so you can earn more without losing coverage[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice. Program rules and benefits may change. Always verify eligibility and application requirements with official agencies before taking action.
Most claims are denied at first. You can appeal—request reconsideration, then a hearing. It’s important to keep detailed records and get legal or advocacy help if needed.
There are no fibromyalgia-specific state programs, but general disability resources, Medicaid, and the new buy-in program may help. Contact Florida Department of Health for referrals[2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. Florida doesn’t have its own program, but you can join a national ABLE plan.
Report changes in income, work, or living situation right away. You can report online, by phone, or in person at your local office. Mistakes can cause overpayments you must repay.
