Kidney Disease Benefits in Florida: 2025 Guide

To get federal disability benefits for kidney disease, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. You qualify if your kidney disease is severe and stops you from working for at least 12 months. The SSA looks at your medical records, work history, and how much you earn. For 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month if you are not blind, or $2,700 if you are blind, without losing benefits. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. If you have kidney disease and are on dialysis or have had a transplant, you may qualify faster. Family members may also get benefits if you are approved for SSDI. SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have strict rules about what counts as income and resources. [^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6]

In Florida, the Division of Disability Determinations decides if your kidney disease meets federal medical rules. They review your medical records and may ask for more tests. Florida does not have its own disability program, but you can get extra help through Medicaid if your income is low. If you are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, you may qualify for Medicaid even if you have some income. Florida also has special programs for people with medical needs during emergencies, like special needs shelters. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities can help with services and support. If you are a child with kidney disease, your family’s income and resources are considered for SSI. [^2][^4][^5]

• Check if you meet the federal SSI or SSDI rules for kidney disease.
• Gather your medical records, work history, and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through ACCESS Florida.
• Ask for help from a support professional or family member if needed.

• Review the SSA’s disability rules for kidney disease. Make sure your condition is severe and expected to last at least 12 months.
• Collect all medical records, including dialysis or transplant notes, lab results, and doctor’s reports.
• Get proof of your income, work history, and Social Security number.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office. You can also apply in person at a Florida Department of Health office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through ACCESS Florida online or at your local county office.
• If you are a child, your parent or guardian must apply and provide household income and resource details.
• After you apply, the Florida Division of Disability Determinations will review your medical records. They may ask for more tests or information.
• If approved, you will get a notice with your benefit amount and start date.
• Report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. [^2][^4][^5][^6]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a severe disability like kidney disease that stops you from working.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or elderly. Children with kidney disease may also qualify.
• Medicare: Most people with kidney disease get Medicare after 24 months of SSDI, but those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may get it sooner.
• Medicaid: For people with low income, even if they have kidney disease. [^3][^4][^5][^6]

• Florida Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with low income, including those with kidney disease. You may qualify even if you have some income if you are on dialysis or have had a transplant.
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities: Offers services and support for people with disabilities, including those with kidney disease.
• Special Needs Shelters: For people who need help during emergencies, like those who are medically dependent on electricity or transportation.
• Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology: Helps with equipment and technology for people with disabilities.
• Florida Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities: Provides resources and support for families.
• Florida Developmental Disabilities Council: Advocates for people with disabilities and their families.
• Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Supports people with hearing loss. [^2][^4]

An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for housing, education, health, and other needs. Florida has its own ABLE program. Learn more at the Florida ABLE website. [^4]

• For SSI in 2025, you cannot have more than $2,000 in resources if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married.
• For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month if you are not blind, or $2,700 if you are blind.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary based on family size and medical needs. [^4][^5]

You must report changes in your income, work, or medical condition to the SSA and Medicaid. If you do not, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. [^4]

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, or get help with benefits.
• Florida Department of Health
  Phone: 1-850-245-4444

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Get help with disability determinations and special needs programs.
• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  Phone: 1-866-552-4464

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Get services and support for people with disabilities.

• Can I get disability benefits for kidney disease in Florida?

  Yes, if your kidney disease is severe and stops you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Florida uses federal rules for eligibility.

• How much can I earn and still get disability benefits?

  In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month if you are not blind, or $2,700 if you are blind, without losing benefits. This is called the SGA limit.

• Can children with kidney disease get SSI in Florida?

  Yes, children with kidney disease may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low. The SSA looks at both the child’s and family’s income.

• Do I need to be on dialysis to qualify for disability?

  No, but being on dialysis or having a kidney transplant can help you qualify faster. The SSA looks at how severe your kidney disease is and how it affects your ability to work.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have kidney disease in Florida?

  Yes, if your income is low, you may qualify for Medicaid even if you have kidney disease. If you are on dialysis or have had a transplant, you may qualify even if you have some income.

• How long does it take to get disability benefits for kidney disease?

  It can take 3 to 6 months to get a decision. If you are on dialysis or have had a transplant, you may get a faster decision.

• What happens if my disability application is denied?