Intellectual Disability Benefits in Florida 2025

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a total and lasting disability, such as intellectual disability, and have worked enough to earn work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet medical criteria for disability. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month, and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earnings above these limits may affect eligibility for SSDI and SSI[6][5].

Children with intellectual disability may also qualify for SSI if they meet medical and financial criteria[5].

In Florida, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Division of Disability Determinations, which reviews medical evidence for Social Security programs and state Medically Needy programs[3]. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for people with intellectual disability, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, which helps pay for services in the community rather than institutions[4]. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities[4].

Florida does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access federal benefits and state support services through agencies like the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Florida Department of Health[3][4].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• For Medicaid waivers, apply through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for savings.
• Report any changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For children, apply for SSI if they meet medical and financial criteria[5][6].
• Step 3: For Medicaid waivers, contact the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to start the application process. You may need to provide additional documentation and attend an interview[4].
• Step 4: If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to services like therapy, job training, and community support.
• Step 5: Open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid to avoid overpayments[4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with intellectual disability who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with intellectual disability who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with intellectual disability who receive SSI or meet financial criteria.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with intellectual disability who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with intellectual disability[4].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Florida offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with intellectual disability, including the Developmental Disabilities waiver. These waivers help pay for services like therapy, job training, and community support[4].
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities: Provides case management, residential services, and employment support for people with intellectual disability[4].
• Florida Department of Health: Offers resources and support for people with intellectual disability, including special needs shelters and emergency preparedness[3].
• Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology: Provides assistive technology and resources for people with intellectual disability[3].

ABLE accounts allow people with intellectual disability to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account through the state program. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed[4].

• SSI: In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month, and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earnings above these limits may affect eligibility for SSI and SSDI[5][6].
• SSDI: The same SGA limits apply. Earnings above these limits may result in loss of benefits[6].
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program, but generally, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Florida[4].

You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Failure to report changes can result in loss of benefits or repayment of overpaid amounts[4].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and questions.
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  Phone: 1-866-273-4357

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and disability services.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for intellectual disability?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with intellectual disability[4].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Florida?

  Contact the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to start the application process. You will need to provide medical and financial documentation and may need to attend an interview[4].

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI for intellectual disability?

  Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals[5][6].

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with intellectual disability. It allows you to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].

• What services are available through Florida Medicaid waivers?

  Medicaid waivers in Florida provide services like therapy, job training, residential support, and community integration for people with intellectual disability[4].

• Do I need to report changes in my situation to avoid overpayments?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits[4].