Social Security Eligibility Florida

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits provide monthly payments to low-income individuals that are disabled and cannot earn an income.

The funding comes directly from the federal government since it’s administered by the Social Services Agency (SSA). In Florida, you will be eligible to receive state benefits in addition to your Social Security benefits. That said, you need to know your eligibility before applying. The experienced disability benefits attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett can help you determine your qualifying factors and accomplish the application or appeals process.

Qualifying Factors for Social Security Benefits in Florida

The SSA offers two programs under its Social Security benefits - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is a disability benefit aimed at people who cannot earn an income because of a disabling medical condition. In order to qualify for SSI you must prove you have a disability and meet other financial qualifications. These are a few criteria you should meet to be eligible for Social Security:

You should have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from performing gainful employment
The condition should be lifelong or last at least a year
Individual resources should not exceed $2,000, and combined family resources should not exceed $3,000
You should be a US citizen or US Resident
You should not be confined to a prison, hospital, or any other institution supported by government funds
You should have stayed in the US for 30 days or one full calendar month

In some cases, non-citizen residents may qualify for SSI benefits by meeting specific requirements. You should know that your living arrangements may also affect your SSA benefits. For example, you may not be eligible for Social Security benefits if you have arrest warrants or felony records against you.

Income and Resources for SSA Benefits

Your income and resources play a paramount role in determining your eligibility. The SSA includes the following as “income”:

Royalties
Earnings from business or work
Honoraria
Veteran’s disability benefits
Workers’ compensation
Private pensions
Social security benefits
Unemployment benefits
Dividends
Interest income
State disability benefits
Food and shelter that you received for less than fair market value or for free
Cash received from friends, family, and relatives
Part of your parent’s or spouse’s income if you are living with them

Resources are the things you own, such as:

Bank accounts
Cash
Stocks
Personal property
US savings bonds

Your home, vehicle, and household goods are not counted toward resources.

How Much Social Security Benefits Can I Get?

Your SSA benefits will depend on your countable income, meaning you’ll receive a higher amount if the number of your resources is low. The SSA limits the maximum amount you can receive each month, which changes yearly.

We will Fight to Get You the Social Security Benefits You are Entitled To

The capable and knowledgeable attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have over 125 years of cumulative experience in successfully fighting and winning Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. Our continued success and aggressive client advocacy have allowed us to gain a reputation as the top Social Security Benefits law firm in Florida. To set up your free consultation with our disability lawyers, call (727) 306-0273 or reach us online.

Free Case Evaluation Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate your legal concerns.

First Name* This field is required.

Last Name* This field is required.

Phone* This field is required.

Email* This field is required.

Case Type* This field is required.

County* This field is required.

Preferred Method of Contact

Description* This field is required.

This field is required.

By completing this form, you are giving us permission to follow-up by phone, email or text.*

This field is required.

Get Started