Florida Disability Benefits

If you’re a Florida resident and have a disability that keeps you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits under the SSA federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Though both Social Security disability programs are administered at the federal government level, Florida’s Division of Disability Determinations is responsible for confirming medical eligibility for Florida citizens who apply for either benefit program.

This division also oversees periodic continuing disability reviews of all Social Security Administration disability beneficiaries to ensure that each person receiving Social Security disability benefits continues to meet all medical eligibility criteria for compensation.

Florida and Documented Disabilities

Nearly 5 million Florida adult residents report having documented disabilities of some kind, which represents roughly 28% of the state population. These adults also are more likely to be obese, to smoke, and to have heart disease and/or diabetes.

Together, these documented disabilities cost the state of Florida upwards of $53 billion in health care costs each year, representing 35 percent of Florida’s overall health care spending. This equates to roughly $15,000 in expenses each year for each disabled Florida resident.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Florida

Since SSDI is a federal program, all applicants must meet federal requirements for eligibility.

First, an applicant must meet non-medical eligibility criteria, which entails the person having worked a sufficient time to accrue an appropriate level of work credits through the SSA.

An applicant typically must have earned 40 credits to be SSDI eligible, 20 of which were earned during the most recent 10 years. You must also show a documented disabling condition that meets the SSA’s strict definition of total disability.

The SSA generally awards compensation benefits to those whose medical conditions prohibit them from working for at least one year, or whose conditions are terminal.

How To Apply for SSDI in Florida

In Florida, you may apply for Social Security benefits at any of the 54 local SSA field offices, or online at www.ssa.gov. Your application will then be forwarded to the Division of Disability Determinations for a decision regarding whether your disability meets the SSA’s strict definition. 

Your claim will likely be reviewed by a claims examiner and medical consultant working in partnership. If you are determined medically eligible, the claim then will be returned to the SSA to make a decision regarding your non-medical eligibility.

How To Appeal a Denial in Florida

Unfortunately, it’s common for initial claims to be denied in Florida. Though approval rates have risen in Florida over the last few years, they still only meet the national approval rate of roughly 30%.

If you disagree with the decision regarding your disability claim, you have the right to appeal. Many applicants choose to engage with a qualified disability attorney or disability advocate who can help guide them through the remaining stages of the process.

The first stage of the appeals process is to request reconsideration. In this phase, your disability claim will be reviewed by an examiner who did not participate in your original review. You may also submit any new evidence or documentation if you have it.

At this point, if your disability claim continues to be denied, you may request a disability hearing with an administrative law judge. 56% of appeals are won at this stage, which isn’t too surprising, considering it is the first chance a reviewer has to meet you and hear the full story of how your disability affects your life.

If you still receive an unfavorable disability determination after your disability hearing, your final option is to submit a request for appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The council will change the decision only if they believe your claim was adjudicated inappropriately.

More Florida Benefits

In addition to its SSDI benefits program, Florida administers other programs to help its most vulnerable residents, including those outlined below.

SSI

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in Florida, applicants must show proof of limited income and be either disabled, blind, or over 65 years of age.

Other SSI requirements include:

• Limited income or resources
• U.S. citizenship or legally authorized to live and work in the United States;
• Inability to work due to age or disability

Individual Florida residents can receive up to $771 as a monthly benefit through the SSI program. Additionally, Florida has chosen to increase supplemental disability payments to individuals living in community care programs or Medicaid facilities.

Florida Medicaid

Florida Medicaid is a state and federal partnership that provides health care coverage for low-income Florida residents.

Qualified applicants typically meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Florida resident
• U.S. citizen or legally authorized to live and work in the United States
• Income classified as low or very low

In addition, an applicant must show that one of the following is the case:

• The person is pregnant
• The person is responsible for a child 18 years old or younger
• The person is blind
• The person has a disability or lives with someone who has a disability
• The person is 65 years old or older

Medicaid services in the state of Florida are administered through the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration. Florida residents may apply online at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.

Florida Unemployment

Unemployment insurance benefits in Florida are known throughout the state as reemployment assistance benefits. The program provides temporary financial assistance for Florida residents who have lost employment through no fault of their own.

To be eligible for Florida unemployment benefits, a Florida employee must have worked in Florida over the past 12 months and have earned a minimum amount in wages, as determined by Florida law.

Those who receive unemployment compensation must show that they are able to work and available for suitable work during each week they receive unemployment assistance. Interested applicants may submit an initial claim through CONNECT, Florida’s Reemployment Assistance System.

Florida Social Security Offices

Florida Hearing and Appeal Offices

Florida is in Region 4 (Atlanta), which services Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.