People in Florida with Short Stature may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for healthcare, employment, and support. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and key changes for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Short Stature, your condition must cause marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how your disability affects your ability to do basic work activities, such as walking, standing, lifting, and using your hands. 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 earnings are above these limits, you generally cannot be considered disabled. SSI also considers your income and resources, and some family income may count if you live at home. Children must meet the same SGA limits and have a medical condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations [6].
In Florida, eligibility for SSI and SSDI follows federal rules. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations makes medical eligibility decisions for federal disability programs. Short Stature may qualify if it causes severe functional limitations that prevent you from working. Florida does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and other support services. If you are medically dependent on electricity or need evacuation assistance, register with Florida’s special needs registry. For more information, contact the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities or the Florida Department of Health [3].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account through the Florida ABLE Program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and healthcare. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free [4].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. If your earnings are above these limits, you generally cannot be considered disabled for SSDI/SSI. SSI also considers your income and resources, and some family income may count if you live at home. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check your eligibility [6][5].
Always report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes [4][6].
Yes, if Short Stature causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration reviews medical evidence to determine eligibility. Children must also meet the same criteria as adults [6][5].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. If your earnings are above these limits, you generally cannot be considered disabled [6][5].
Gather medical records, check your income, and apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities [3][6].
Florida offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and support services through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The Florida Department of Health manages disability determinations and special needs registries [3].
Children with Short Stature must have a medical condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations. Their income and resources, or those of family members, may count toward eligibility [5].
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025). Work incentives can help you test your ability to work without losing benefits [6][4].
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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The Florida ABLE Program allows people with disabilities to save money in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and healthcare [4].
Always report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Report changes online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes [4][6].
For SSDI, the waiting period is usually 5 months. For Medicare, it’s 24 months (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease). SSI payments start as soon as you’re approved [4][6].
Contact the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Florida Department of Health, or a local Social Security office. Nonprofits and advocacy groups may also offer support [3].
