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How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Florida

Written by

Jackie Jakab

Lead Attorney

Published April 19, 2024

Updated May 7, 2024

2 min read

Why trust us?

Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.

See if you qualify

If you're a Florida resident unable to work due to an injury or illness, you might qualify for disability benefits. Federal disability programs provide financial support and healthcare coverage. Currently, more than 570,000 Floridians benefit from Social Security disability assistance.

Read on for an overview of t the eligibility requirements and application process for disability benefits in Florida.

Disability benefits in Florida

Florida does not have a short-term state disability program, but Florida residents who cannot work due to a disability may qualify for federal disability. The Social Security Administration manages two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs provide monthly benefits, but the eligibility requirements and benefit amounts are different.

SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the difference?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Typically, to qualify for SSDI, a person must have worked at least five of the last 10 years and earned a certain number of “work credits.”

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is designed to help disabled individuals with limited income and assets. SSI eligibility is not based on prior work history but on financial need. The program provides a monthly payment that can vary if the state supplements the federal payment. SSI aids individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited or no income and resources.

We've helped 10,914 people in Florida apply for benefits.

Applying for Social Security disability benefits in Florida starts with completing the initial application, Form SSA-16. You can complete the application online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office.

You'll need to gather and submit all required documentation, which includes proof of your identity, medical records, and any other evidence that supports your disability claim.

Follow these steps to apply:

Prepare your information: Collect all necessary personal information, medical documents, and details about your work history. This includes your Social Security number, birth certificate, detailed medical records, and information about other benefits you receive, like workers' compensation or unemployment.
Submit your application: You can apply online at the Social Security Administration's official website, call their toll-free number, or visit a local SSA office. Applying online is a great way for you to submit and track the process of your claim.
Wait for the decision: After submitting your application, the SSA will review your technical and medical eligibility. It can take 7-8 months to receive a decision on your initial application.

If your application is initially denied, which is common, you have the right to appeal the decision. This is where understanding the appeals process becomes essential.

4 stages of the appeal process

There are four stages of appeal, but most applicants only go through two. For a successful application, it’s important to understand the rules and timelines for the appeals process:

Reconsideration: If your initial application is denied, you can request a reconsideration within 60 days. This entails a complete review of your claim by a different adjudicator not involved in the original decision. Know that it's common for claims to be denied again at this stage.
Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration does not result in approval, the next step is to request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.A disability lawyer can help you prepare for the judge’s questions and represent you at the hearing.
Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can escalate the matter to the Social Security Appeals Council. This body will review your case to determine if the law was applied correctly. The council can either decide your case, return it to an ALJ for further review, or deny your request for a review if it believes the hearing decision was correct based on the evidence.
Federal Court Review: The final stage involves taking your case to a federal district court. This step is undertaken if all previous appeals have been exhausted and you still believe the decision was incorrect. Filing a lawsuit in federal court is complex and typically requires an attorney's expertise.

How much are disability benefits in Florida?

In Florida, the payment amount of disability benefits you can receive varies based on the program—SSDI or SSI—and your individual circumstances. SSDI and SSI payments are adjusted annually based on cost-of-living increases.

For SSDI, the maximum monthly benefit is $3,822. However, the average monthly benefit most recipients receive is about $1,717. Your exact payment amount depends on your earnings record and the amount of Social Security taxes you've paid.
For SSI, the maximum federal benefit rate for individuals is $943 per month. SSI recipients can also receive additional supplemental state benefits depending on their living arrangements.

Estimate your disability benefit amount in just a few steps

We'll use the Social Security Administration's formula to estimate your monthly benefit.

Average
monthly check

$1,489

SSA offices in Florida

From Boca Raton to Fort Myers, Jacksonville to Miami, there are 52 SSA offices throughout Florida. Visit your nearest SSA field office to get a copy of the disability application form or apply in person:

Belle Glade

925 Se 1st St

Belle Glade, FL 33430