Resources
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.
Please click on a topic below to learn more.
Florida Department of Financial Services – Division of Consumer Services:
- The Division of Consumer Services offers information and resources to educate consumers on insurance and financial topics. The Division also educates consumers on the latest financial frauds and scams.
Visit the Consumer Services Website | Learn more about frauds and scams - Your Money Matters: This website offers financial education for all age groups and helps consumers learn more about a variety of topics to help them make the best financial decisions possible. There are several different budgeting
calculators that help an individual plan and save money for a large purchase or a life event.
Visit the Your Money Matters Website | Get help using the budgeting calculators
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC):
- The FDIC is an agency that oversees and maintains stability of the nation’s financial system. The agency offers several programs and services that help consumers learn more about their finances through the Money Smart Program.
Money Smart for Young Adults - The FDIC is also responsible for insuring banks and financial institutions. This is important since it helps to protect consumers and their money. Individuals can check to see if a bank or credit union is insured before committing to signing up for
an account or joining as a member.
Visit FDIC Website | Search for insured banks and credit unions
Annual Credit Report:
- Annual Credit Report is the official website provided by the Federal Trade Commission that allows individuals to request free annual credit reports from the three credit reporting bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Under federal law, individuals
are entitled to receive one free copy of their credit report from each credit reporting company every 12 months. Note: You can receive a free credit report online for free until December 31, 2023.
Visit the Annual Credit Report Website
Florida Department of Education – Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services:
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
Statewide ESE Contacts |
Locate support services in your school district
- ESE Eligibility Information: Families and caregivers can determine if a public school should provide extra support to a student due to a disability. The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services supports school districts
in providing specific educational programming to students with disabilities.
Read more about ESE Eligibility - Secondary Transition: This process helps students with disabilities as they move through high school. This planning begins at age 14 or earlier and may not end until age 22, depending on the disability.
Learn more about Secondary Transition
FYI Transition:
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
“The Changing Face of Benefits” Curriculum and Workbook:
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"
The Social Security Administration:
The Social Security Administration oversees two benefit programs for individuals with disabilities.
Visit the Social Security Administration Website
- Supplemental Security Income: Supplemental Security Income is a government benefit program that provides assistance to individuals who are blind or disabled with little to no income. The program provides cash assistance to meet
basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income should be familiar with the resource limits that are required to receive assistance.
Learn more about Supplemental Security Income
Learn more about the application process, the program and its requirements before applying
Documents you need ready before applying | Learn more about resource limits - Social Security Disability Insurance: Social Security Disability Insurance is also a form of cash assistance that is for individuals who have stopped working or have had their earnings reduced due to a disability. In order to
receive these benefits, the individual must have worked recently enough and for a certain period of time; and Social Security taxes must have been paid. Social Security Disability Insurance does not have a resource limit. There are income limits
that individuals should be familiar with before applying for assistance.
Learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance
Track the Social Security Disability Insurance benefit rates each year
Apply Online | Learn more about income limits | Learn about SSDI and Family Benefits
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 Direct Express 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 Direct Express Debit Card,
an application must be submitted.
Learn more about Go Direct Program | Sign-up for a Direct Express 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
Contact Information:
1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
The hours of operation at a local office may be different than the national office.
Find a local Social Security Administration office near you.
Medicaid:
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:
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
Health Insurance Marketplace:
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
Department of Health:
The Department of Health hosts the Bright Expectations website in order to provide important resources and information on developmental disabilities for pregnant women, healthcare providers, parents and families. These resources can assist with diagnosis,
evaluation, intervention and support.
Visit the Bright Expectations Website
Contact Information:
Phone: 850-245-4465
Email: BE@flhealth.gov
There are several resources for individuals who are looking for employment with and without government benefits.
With Government Benefits
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation:The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Florida provides pre-employment services while an individual is still in high school; training and education after high school; career counseling; job placement; coaching and training; supported
employment; and assistive technology. How to Get Assistance: Contact Information: |
The Division of Blind Services:The mission of the Division of Blind Services is to help blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. Specific services can include employment
assistance, independent living services, training on how to use assistive technology and other services. How to Get Assistance: Contact Information: |
Agency for Persons with Disabilities:The Agency for Persons with Disabilities works in partnership with local communities and private providers to serve the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities. How to Get Assistance: Contact Information: |
Social Security Administration – Ticket to Work Program: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.
Contact Information: |
With or Without Government Benefits
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: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 |
AbilitiesWork:The AbilitiesWork website allows individuals to search for jobs that are for people with disabilities. Visit the AbilitiesWork Website Contact Information: |
American Job Centers: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 Contact Information: |
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
|
Achieving Better Life Experiences (ABLE) Accounts:
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
- Program Limitations:
Individuals may only have one ABLE account.
Annual contributions to the account cannot exceed $17,000.
If the account exceeds a total of $100,000, Supplemental Security Income benefits may be suspended.
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Accounts:
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
- In order for a PASS account to work, the PASS account must:
Be in writing;
Have income or resources set aside for the work goal;
Have a stated or specific work goal;
Have a reasonable time frame;
Include all expenses that are necessary to complete the work goal.
Contact Information:
For specific information about a PASS account, individuals should call an office in their region.
Special Needs Trusts:
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.
- Planning Ahead: A Guide to Parents, Family Members and Legal Representatives of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
Access the Personal Information Form from the Planning Ahead Guide to help you make plans for the future and develop goals.
Download the Lighting the Way to Guardianship and Other Decision-Making Alternatives: A Manual for Individuals and Families
Florida Housing Coalition:
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
Contact Information:
Phone: 850-878-4219
Email: info@flhousing.org
Residential Options of Florida (ROOF):
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
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
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
Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged:
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:
- Individuals can search for affordable or subsidized housing by using FloridaHousingSearch.org, a free online registry of affordable and accessible housing.
- The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and the Florida Housing Coalition have developed a resource guide called Housing in Florida. This guide can assist individuals with disabilities in finding and paying for a housing option that is right for them.
Disability Rights Florida:
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.
- Client Assistance Program (CAP): CAP staff can give advice and provide clarification or assistance with the services provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Division of Blind Services. CAP is independent of all state agencies providing services to individuals with disabilities.
- Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS): The purpose of this program is meant to protect people with disabilities who receive government benefits and who want to return to work. The staff at Disability Rights Florida can assist and support individuals in overcoming barriers to employment.
Visit the Disability Rights Florida Website | Learn more about CAP and PABSS
Contact Information:
800-342-0823 | TDD: 800-346-4127
Make an online request for assistance.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Technology (FAAST):
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
- The Device Loan Program provides short-term loans where consumers throughout the state can borrow assistive technology devices for up to 30 days.
- The New Horizon Loan Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities in borrowing money at reasonable interest rates to purchase assistive technologies.
- Regional Demonstration Centers are located across the state of Florida in six locations. These centers provide device demonstration, loans of assistive technology devices and other services.
Contact Information:
Individuals should contact a regional center directly for services.
1-844-353-2278 | TTY: 1-877-506-2723
Send a message or request additional information.
The Arc of Florida:
The Arc of Florida is a non-profit 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
Family Network on Disabilities:
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
Family Care Council: Florida (FCCF)
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:
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.
Goodwill Industries International:
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.