Welcome to the My Money Resource Page! This page has been developed for Floridians with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers and other key stakeholders. In order to help you find the support and services that you need, this information has been broken into different categories for easy navigation.
Disclaimer: This page will direct you to many external resources. The Department of Financial Services cannot guarantee the accessibility of those external websites.
Contact Information:
1-877-693-5236
Email: Consumer.Services@MyFloridaCFO.com
The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services administers programs for students with disabilities.
Learn more about the Bureau
What is Exceptional Student Education (ESE) for Children with Disabilities? | Visit the Resource and Information Center
Find your district contact | Locate support services in your school district
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, University of South Florida and Mr. Dale DiLeo developed FYI Transition. This website is designed for students with disabilities, family members and professionals. The tools and courses on FYI Transition can help with life after graduation, career exploration and overall transition planning.
Visit the FYI Transition Website | For student | For parents or caregivers | For transition professionals
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and the National Disability Institute have developed “The Changing Face of Benefits” curriculum and workbook to help individuals navigate through the different benefit programs that provide assistance. The material is also available as a self-paced online course in English and Spanish. Individuals who successfully complete the online course may apply for Continuing Education Units.
Visit the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Website | Visit the National Disability Institute Website
Check out the self-paced online course for "The Changing Face of Benefits" | Download the Curriculum and Workbook
The Social Security Administration oversees two benefit programs for individuals with disabilities.
Visit the Social Security Administration Website
Other Important Social Security Terms and Resources
The “Red Book”: This guide will help individuals identify employment supports and other important resources for individuals with disabilities who receive government benefits.
Download the “Red Book” |
What is a “Rep Payee”? |
The Social Security Disability Claims Process Video Series
Worksheets and Checklists:
"Adult Disability Starter Kit" | "Child Disability Starter Kit”
Direct Deposit: The Treasury Department requires that federal benefit payments be made electronically by direct deposit. An individual can sign-up for direct deposit through the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center and “Go Direct,” or through their bank or credit union. A DirectExpress Debit Card is available for individuals who receive government benefits and do not have a bank account. In order for an individual to use a DirectExpress Debit Card, an application must be submitted.
Learn more about Go Direct Program | Sign-up for a DirectExpress Debit Card
If your application for benefits has been denied: Begin with an Internet Appeal. It is important to note that an individual can qualify for assistance from both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance. It is important to speak to a representative from the Social Security Administration to learn more.
Other important government benefit resources: The Social Security Administration has many resources available to download that individuals can use to learn more about applying for and receiving benefits.
Download other disability publications
1-800-772-1213, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. in the morning until 7:00 p.m. in the evening. (Eastern Standard Time)
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Individuals may also reach out to a local Social Security Administration office.
The hours of operation at a local office may be different than the national office.
Find a local Social Security Administration office near you.
Florida residents who receive Supplemental Security Income are able to receive Medicaid coverage from the Social Security Administration. If an individual does not qualify for Supplemental Security Income and believes that they may be eligible for Medicaid, applications for Medicaid coverage can be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Visit the Medicaid Website | Visit Florida Department of Children and Families Website
Medicare has different programs that individuals can choose from, depending on what type of coverage is needed. Everyone who is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance is also eligible for Medicare.
Visit the Medicare Website | Learn more about coverage and eligibility
There are several coverage options and insurance plans available to individuals through the Health Insurance Marketplace, established as a result of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Apply online for private insurance coverage on the Marketplace.
Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace Website
The Department of Health hosts the Bright Expectations website in order to provide important resources and information on developmental disabilities for pregnant women, health care providers, parents and families. These resources can assist with diagnosis, evaluation, intervention and support.
Visit the Bright Expectations Website
Phone: 850-245-4465
Email: BE@flhealth.gov
Other important healthcare resources: The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council has many healthcare resources that can help you learn how to speak with doctors, find an insurance plan or learn how to effectively manage personal stress levels.
Download the healthcare resources guide
There are several resources for individuals who are looking for employment with and without government benefits.
The Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary program that supports career development for Social Security beneficiaries age 18 through 64 who want to work. There are different phases to the Ticket to Work Program. These phases help individuals begin the Ticket to Work process by gathering appropriate documentation and recording a work goal to help with a work placement.
Visit the Ticket to Work Website
Ticket to Work phases:
Phase 1: The Ticket to Work Program discusses working while receiving benefits.
Phase 2: Individuals determine specific work goals and contact a Ticket to Work service provider that best fits the needs of the individual.
Phase 3: Individuals find and apply for jobs.
Phase 4: Individuals learn how to get started at a job and receive government benefits while working.
Ticket to Work Helpline: 1-866-968-7842
Email: support@chooseworkttw.net
If an individual does not receive government benefits, there are several ways that individuals can search for jobs. Keep in mind that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can also help individuals if they do not receive government benefits.
CareerSource Florida Centers are overseen by the Department of Economic Opportunity and connects job seekers to available jobs in their communities. Individuals should work directly with a team of individuals in their area. This team will assist individuals in their job search or finding the right types of job training and education that can help meet specified goals.
Visit the CareerSource Florida Website | Find your local CareerSource team
The AbilitiesWork website allows individuals to search for jobs that are for people with disabilities.
Visit the AbilitiesWork Website
844-245-3405 | TTY Users: Dial 711
Email: AbilitiesWorkHD@vr.fldoe.org
American Job Centers are a part of CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. These centers provide free access to job banks, computers, workshops and other helpful tools that can help individuals with disabilities find a job. There are also many job search resources available to individuals with disabilities through CareerOneStop. Individuals should find an American Job Center in their city to begin their job search.
Visit the American Job Centers Website | Learn more about CareerOneStop resources | Find a local American Job Center
Employment and Training Helpline: 1-877-872-5627 | TTY: 1-877-889-5627
Email: info@CareerOneStop.org
Employ Me First is a job search website that helps individuals who live in Northeast Florida find jobs.
Visit the Employ Me First Website
Job seekers in this area can sign-up for personalized emails about jobs that become available.
Other important employment resources: The Social Security Administration has resources available for download to help individuals who are working and receiving government benefits.
Incentives to Help You Return to Work
Your Ticket to Work: What You Need to Know to Keep it Working for You
Employment Networks in Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program
An ABLE account offers saving and investment options similar to a college savings account to individuals with disabilities and their families. The money saved in an ABLE account should supplement, not replace the benefits that are provided by Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid or money received from a job and other sources. An ABLE account allows a beneficiary who is blind or disabled before the age of 26 to pay for qualified disability expenses, such as healthcare, education, housing, transportation, legal fees, job training and supports, assistive technology and more. In Florida, ABLE accounts are overseen by the Florida Prepaid College Board and an organization called ABLE United.
Visit the ABLE United Website
PASS accounts are geared towards individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, although individuals who receive Social Security Disability Insurance may also qualify. A PASS account allows an individual to save money for items or services that are needed to achieve a specific work goal.
Visit the PASS Accounts Website
For specific information about a PASS account, individuals should call an office in their region.
An Individual Development Account or an IDA can help an individual save earnings to go to school, buy a home or start a business. These accounts are usually overseen by a nonprofit organization like United Way. When a deposit is made into the account, the participating nonprofit organization will match the deposit. A typical match is dollar per dollar.
Visit the Individual Development Accounts Website | Search for a local IDA Program
A trust is a legal document containing instructions about how resources or assets should be managed for an individual. A Special Needs Trust can help family members plan for the future of an individual with a developmental disability by allowing money to be saved for certain expenses without jeopardizing an individual’s government benefits. Setting up a trust takes time and a lawyer is needed to assist with drafting and setting up the trust. Lawyers that can help with Special Needs Trusts are also Elder Law Certified.
Find an Elder Law Certified lawyer near you | Learn more about how certain government benefit programs may be affected by a trust
Future Planning: The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council has resources to assist with transition planning and guardianship.
The mission of the Florida Housing Coalition is to bring together housing advocates and resources so that all Floridians can have a quality affordable home and suitable living environment.
Visit the Florida Housing Coalition website | Learn more about Florida Housing Coalition programs
Phone: 850-878-4219
Email: info@flhousing.org
The mission of ROOF is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to successfully obtain and maintain affordable and inclusionary housing of their choice. ROOF provides several different types of resources, including a resource library to assist individuals in locating an appropriate home or apartment.
Visit the ROOF Website | Learn about ROOF resources
The FLHSMV oversees applications for disabled parking permits. Individuals who submit an application must mail or deliver the application to a local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency.
Visit the FLHSMV Website |
Learn what you need to complete your application |
Start your application |
Find a specific county office
The mission of the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is to ensure the availability of efficient, cost-effective and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons. Transportation and paratransit services are available by county. Individuals can schedule a ride based on availability.
Visit the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Website | Find services by county | Schedule a ride
Other important transportation and housing resources:
Disability Rights Florida assists people with disabilities who receive government benefits so that they can overcome barriers to employment, get a job and keep a job. The organization offers two programs that can help individuals with their government benefits or getting the support that is needed on the job.
1-800-342-0823 | TTY: 1-800-346-4127
Make an online request for assistance.
FAAST provides free access to information, referral services, educational programs and publications in accessible formats on a variety of topics. FAAST also provides assistive technology device loans as well as funding opportunities for assistive technology.
Visit the FAAST Website
Individuals should contact a regional center directly for services.
1-888-788-9216 | TTY: 877-506-2723
Send a message or request additional information.
The Arc of Florida is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are local Arc chapters across the state of Florida that can provide individual assistance and programming.
Visit the Arc of Florida Website | Contact a local Arc of Florida chapter or agency
The mission of the Family Network on Disabilities is to strive for complete integration and equality of persons with disabilities in a society without barriers and to service families of children with disabilities. The organization operates several programs and services across Florida that can assist with transition planning and support services.
Visit the Family Network on Disabilities Website
The mission of the Family Care Council Florida (FCCF) is to advocate, educate and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. There are fifteen local councils that can assist individuals.
Visit the Family Care Council Website | Find a local council in your area
The Family Café provides individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship and empowerment by serving as a facilitator of communication, a space for dialogue and a source of information.
Visit the Family Café Website
WaiverProvider.com provides a directory of Medicaid waiver providers across the state of Florida, and provides information and updates to individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization also offers several other resources that can help individuals navigate through the assistance process.
Visit the WaiverProvider.com Website
Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. Individuals can use the locate tool on the homepage to find a center or programs that are closest to them.
Visit the Goodwill Industries International Website