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Florida • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Florida, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for heart disease in Florida.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with heart disease, you must have a severe impairment that prevents you from working and earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. You must also have enough work credits from recent employment. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof that your heart disease causes marked and severe functional limitations [6].
Florida follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical evidence for disability claims. If you have heart disease, you must provide medical records showing your condition meets federal criteria. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with daily living needs. Special needs registries are available for emergencies, and you may qualify for additional state resources if you have complex medical needs [2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Florida residents with heart disease can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for housing, education, and medical costs [3].
For 2025, the SSDI SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. SSI has strict income and resource limits: $2,000 in resources for an individual. These limits change yearly based on inflation [5][6].
Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and Florida agencies. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA online portal or contact your local office to report changes [3].
If you rely on medical equipment for heart disease, register with Florida’s special needs registry to ensure you get help during emergencies [2].
SSDI has work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits. Earnings up to $1,620/month in 2025 are allowed [6].
Yes, if your heart disease is severe enough to prevent you from working and earning more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025), and you have enough work credits, you may qualify for SSDI in Florida [6].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your SSDI eligibility [6].
Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply online at SSA.gov or in person. Florida’s Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical evidence for your claim [2].
Florida offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as personal care and therapy. These can help people with heart disease live independently and manage daily needs [2].
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Working above this limit may affect your benefits. SSDI has work incentives to help you test your ability to work [3].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Florida residents with heart disease can use ABLE accounts for disability-related expenses [3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
If you rely on medical equipment or need evacuation help, register with Florida’s special needs registry. This ensures you get support during emergencies [2].
Florida offers Medicaid waivers, special needs shelters, and support from agencies like APD and the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology [2].
SSDI claims can take several months to process. Payments start after a 5-month waiting period if approved. Respond promptly to all requests for information [3].
Yes, report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and Florida agencies. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties [3].
