If you have rheumatoid arthritis in Florida, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, and state programs such as Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changes are coming in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with rheumatoid arthritis, your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your monthly earnings exceed this, you generally cannot be considered disabled. You must also meet medical criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which includes having a severe impairment that limits your ability to work. SSDI requires a work history with enough Social Security credits, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources[6].
In Florida, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Division of Disability Determinations, which reviews medical evidence and work history for federal programs like SSDI and SSI. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal disability criteria and Florida's specific requirements, such as income and asset limits. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) manages many of these programs and can help you understand what services are available based on your needs[3].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and the account balance does not count toward SSI's $2,000 resource limit[4].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Always keep records of your reports and follow up with the SSA if you receive a notice of overpayment[4].
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets the SSA's medical criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for additional support.
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your eligibility for disability benefits.
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history to support your application.
Medicaid waivers in Florida provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These can include personal care, respite care, and assistive technology, managed by the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, health, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions.
You can work and earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Working above this limit may affect your eligibility.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses.
The decision time varies, but it can take several months. The SSA may request additional medical evidence, which can extend the process.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process includes reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council.
Yes, Florida offers resources through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, and Florida Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities.
