Welcome to BenefitKarma, Floridians!

If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language. 

Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s FREE, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox. 

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Wondering what’s available to you in Florida? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start.

Health & Disability

1. Florida Medicaid
   Florida provides free or low-cost health insurance to qualifying individuals, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people receiving SSI. Florida has not expanded Medicaid, so most low-income adults without children are not eligible. SSI recipients are automatically enrolled. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, and more. Read more on how Medicaid works.

2. Medicaid Waiver Programs (HCBS/DD & FSL Waiver)
   These programs support people with disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental or intellectual conditions. Services help individuals live independently or in community settings. Income and asset limits apply (around $2,523/month and $2,000 in assets for individuals).

3. Optional State Supplementation (OSS)
   OSS offers extra financial help—up to $1,297/month—for elderly or disabled individuals living in licensed care facilities like assisted living or adult family care homes. Most recipients also get SSI and Medicaid. Asset limits apply ($2,000 individual / $3,000 couple). To learn more about affordable senior housing options and how to find the right fit, visit our helpful guide: Affordable Senior Housing.

4. Disability Determination Services (SSI/SSDI)
   Florida follows federal rules for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you qualify for SSI, you also get Medicaid. These programs offer monthly payments for people who can't work due to disability. Discover how SSI can help you.

Nutritional & Food Assistance

1. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
   SNAP helps low-income households buy groceries each month using an EBT card. Nearly one-quarter of households in Miami-Dade County rely on this benefit. Monthly amounts vary based on income, household size, and expenses. Learn more about how SNAP works.

2. WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
   WIC provides free healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, and children under age 5. Eligibility is based on income—around $28,953/year for one person, or $59,478/year for a family of four. Some families may also receive extra fruits and vegetables each month.

3. School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
   These programs offer free or low-cost meals to students in Florida public schools. Eligibility is based on household income, and meals follow federal nutrition standards. Find out if your child qualifies for the Federal School Breakfast Program.

4. Emergency Food Assistance Programs (Food Banks, TEFAP)
   Florida food banks and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provide free groceries to individuals and families in need. Food is distributed through local community organizations across the state. Find out how free food assistance can support your family.

Income & Employment

1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
   Florida TANF offers cash assistance to low-income families with children to help cover basic needs. For example, a family of three may receive up to about $303 per month, though amounts can vary. Learn more about TANF benefits.

2. Florida Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Insurance)
   This program provides temporary financial help for workers who lose their jobs. Weekly benefits can be up to $275, with a total maximum benefit around $3,300, usually paid over 12 to 23 weeks depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
   SSI offers monthly payments to individuals and couples with limited income who are aged, blind, or disabled. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is up to $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. While Florida doesn’t provide a general state supplement (except through OSS for those in care), SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid and may be eligible for other programs like SNAP and Section 8 housing.

Family & Education

1. Child Care Assistance Program
   Florida’s Child Care Assistance Program helps eligible low-income families cover the costs of childcare while parents work, attend school, or look for a job. The program supports families by subsidizing childcare expenses so parents can maintain employment or complete their education. Benefit amounts vary based on household income and family size, and eligibility requirements are designed to prioritize those most in need. To learn more about tax credits and other ways to save on childcare costs, read the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

2. State Tuition Grants & Scholarships
   Florida offers a variety of needs-based tuition grants and scholarships to help students afford college. Programs like the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and Bright Futures Scholarships provide financial support to residents attending eligible in-state colleges and universities. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and ease the burden of higher education expenses for qualifying students and their families. Discover which grants and scholarships you qualify for and how to apply.

3. 529 Educational Savings Plan (Florida Prepaid & MyFlorida529)
   Florida’s 529 plans are tax-advantaged savings programs that help families set aside money for future education costs. The Florida Prepaid College Plan allows you to lock in tuition rates at participating state universities, while MyFlorida529 offers flexible investment options for qualified education expenses. These plans make saving for college easier and offer tax benefits, helping families plan for long-term educational goals.

Housing & Essentials

1. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
   Florida participates in the federal Section 8 program, which helps eligible low-income families afford safe and decent housing. Through this program, families receive vouchers to subsidize their rent payments, making housing more affordable and stable. Eligibility is based on income and family size, and demand often exceeds available funding, so applying as early as possible is important.
   Learn how to apply for Section 8 housing assistance and what to expect during the process.

2. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
   LIHEAP provides critical financial aid to low-income households to help pay heating and cooling bills. This assistance can be a lifeline during extreme weather months, ensuring families can maintain a safe and comfortable home environment. Eligibility is income-based, and benefits vary depending on household size and need.
   Find out if you qualify for LIHEAP and how to apply for energy bill assistance.

3. Weatherization Assistance & Utility Help
   Local community action agencies across Florida offer weatherization services to improve home energy efficiency, such as insulation and repairs. These programs help reduce utility costs and increase comfort. Additionally, utility assistance programs help eligible families cover overdue bills or manage ongoing energy expenses, preventing service disconnections. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.

4. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
   ESG funds provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families at risk of homelessness or currently homeless. The grant helps with short-term housing costs, rent, utilities, and related services to stabilize housing and prevent homelessness. These funds are administered by local organizations and are a vital resource for those facing housing crises. Get help with emergency housing and utility assistance through ESG programs.

Military & Veterans

1. Florida Veterans’ Services & Homes
   Florida offers a range of supportive services for veterans, including long-term care homes, financial assistance, and community programs through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These services are designed to improve the quality of life for veterans by providing access to healthcare, housing, and other essential support tailored to their unique needs. Explore veteran housing assistance programs to find stable housing after service.

2. Veterans’ Aid & Attendance / Housebound Benefits
   Disabled or elderly veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for additional tax-free stipends through Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits. These payments help cover the costs of daily living, such as personal care, nursing, or assisted living expenses, allowing veterans to maintain independence and receive the care they need. Check your eligibility for Aid & Attendance benefits.

3. Homestead Property Tax Exemption & Disabled Veteran Exemption
   Florida provides significant property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. These exemptions help reduce the financial burden of homeownership by lowering property taxes, making it easier for veterans to afford and maintain their homes. Learn how to SAH Grant helps disabled veterans with specially adapted housing.

4. Florida Military Family Relief Fund
   This fund supports Florida military families facing financial hardships due to deployment or other service-related challenges. The relief fund provides short-term financial assistance to help cover essential expenses, ensuring military families have the resources they need during difficult times. To learn how military families can save more money, including exclusive tax deductions available for service members, check out this helpful guide.