How Much Are Disability Benefits in Florida?
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.
Every year, approximately 570,000 Floridians receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). These individuals are unable to work due to injuries or medical conditions. Two essential federal initiatives, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), offer monthly financial assistance and crucial health insurance coverage to those in need.
If a medical disability has left you unable to work, you may qualify for these benefit programs. This guide explains how much money you can expect to receive for disability benefits in Florida.
How much are disability benefits in Florida?
You can receive up to $3,822 for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) per month or up to $943 for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) per month.
However, the monthly benefit you receive will depend on several factors, including your prior earnings record and the total Social Security taxes you have contributed over your working years. SSDI payments in Florida average $1,717 per month. The average SSI payment is $598.21.
Additionally, SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare, and those receiving SSI benefits qualify for Medicaid, providing essential healthcare coverage to complement the financial support.
How is Social Security Disability Insurance calculated in Florida?
To calculate SSDI payments, the Social Security Administration (SSA) starts by assessing your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which includes your historical earnings adjusted for inflation.
Following this, the SSA determines your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This involves dividing your AIME into three segments and multiplying each by a specific percentage. The SSA uses a formula that’s designed to mirror your contributions to the Social Security system throughout your employment history.
This calculation method ensures that the benefit amount you receive is proportionate to your past earnings and the Social Security taxes you have paid. The SSA structures the process to provide a fair assessment of your entitlement based on your financial contributions over your working years.
How is Supplemental Security Income calculated in Florida?
The calculation of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hinges primarily on your financial needs rather than your employment history. The process begins with the base federal benefit rate, which is $943 per month for individuals in 2024. From this starting point, the Social Security Administration (SSA) deducts any countable income you have to determine your final benefit amount.
Countable income includes wages, certain types of passive income, and benefits from other government programs. The SSA also considers the economic value of free or subsidized housing and other similar non-monetary benefits. If you receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), they won’t reduce your SSI payment amount.
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How much does a disability lawyer cost in Florida?
Disability lawyers only receive payment if they successfully secure your disability claim with the SSA. A disability lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case. If you choose to proceed, you'll sign a contingency fee agreement, which outlines that the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the success of your claim.
After the SSA approves your claim, your lawyer is entitled to 25% of your initial benefit payment. Federal law caps this fee at $7,200, regardless of the benefit amount. The total fee depends on the “back pay” you receive — compensation for the period between your eligibility start date and when you actually begin receiving payments.
If your case advances to federal court, the fee structure might change, potentially exceeding the standard cap if the appeal process is prolonged. Federal regulations standardize this fee structure across disability lawyers to ensure consistency in what you can expect to pay. Your lawyer will not receive any portion of your ongoing monthly benefits.
SSA offices in Florida
Visiting a Social Security Administration (SSA) field office in person can significantly improve the disability benefits application process for Florida residents. In-person visits allow you to receive personalized guidance and clarification directly from knowledgeable SSA representatives.
Belle Glade 925 Se 1st St Belle Glade, FL 33430 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (855) 257-0983 Fax Number: (833) 950-2814 | Boca Raton 621 Nw 53 St Ste 400 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 467-1703 Fax Number: (833) 950-3757 | Bradenton 5540 Sr 64 East Ste 100 Bradenton, FL 34208 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 803-6316 Fax Number: (833) 950-2227 |
Clearwater 2340 Drew St Clearwater, FL 33765 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 397-5325 Fax Number: (833) 950-2204 | Cocoa 310 Canaveral Groves Cocoa, FL 32926 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-0798 Fax Number: (833) 902-2712 | Dade City 36630 Adair Rd Dade City, FL 33525 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 562-1325 Fax Number: (833) 950-2816 |
Deland 1629 S Adelle Ave Deland, FL 32720 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-7396 Fax Number: (833) 950-2208 | Fort Myers Suite 25 4220 Executive Circle Fort Myers, FL 33916 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 318-9114 Fax Number: (833) 795-0128 |
Get help applying for disability benefits in Florida
To find out if you qualify for disability benefits, take our 2-minute quiz. Give Atticus a call today and a client advocate can offer free advice about your options. If you’d like, Atticus can also introduce you to a disability lawyer to help with your case. Working with a disability attorney increases your chances of winning benefits by three times.
Related resources:
Disability in Florida: What You Should Know About Applying for Benefits
SSA Office Addresses and Phone Numbers in Florida
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Florida
How do I qualify for disability in Florida?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Florida?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Florida?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Florida. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Florida?
The average SSDI payment in Florida is $1,391.59 per month. The average SSI payment is $629.58 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Florida?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Florida have a state disability program?
No, Florida doesn't have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Florida can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
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