Help with Public Benefits

FRLS supports clients who have had their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications denied, their benefits terminated, or who are dealing with overpayment issues.

According to The Social Security Administration, you may be eligible for Social Security Benefits based on your circumstances:

Retirement

You're eligible if:

• You're 62-years-old or older
• You've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources. Adults and children might be eligible for SSI if they have:

1. Little or no income, and
2. Little or no resources, and
3. A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI or "Disability" provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work. Individuals may be eligible for Disability if they have:

1. A disability or blindness, and
2. Enough work history.

For those struggling with unemployment application denials, FRLS offer assistance to help clients secure the benefits they are entitled to during challenging times of joblessness.

FRLS addresses issues related to the termination, denial, or overpayment of Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), individuals must pass all eligibility rules to receive food assistance benefits. The amount of SNAP benefits you receive depends upon how many people are in the household, the household income, and certain allowable deductions.

To be eligible for SNAP:

• You must provide proof of your identity.
• You must live in the state of Florida.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• You must provide a Social Security Number or proof that you have applied for one.
• You must cooperate with Child Support Enforcement if there's a parent not living in the household who would be obligated to pay support.

Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDS) between the ages of 18-50, who do not have children or mental or physical disabilities, are limited to 3 months of SNAP every 3 years. It is best to apply to see if you qualify, as there are exceptions and sometimes work requirements or work activity requirements.

You will not be eligible for Food Stamps (SNAP) if you are fleeing a felony warrant, breaking SNAP Program rules, a non-citizen without a qualified status, a student attending an institution of higher education at least half time (in some circumstances), or have been convicted of drug trafficking.

FRLS can help individuals with:

• Medicaid waiver denial, cessation or reduction
• Medicaid Trusts
• I-budget denial, cessation or reduction

• Parents and caretaker relatives of children
• Children under the age of 21
• Pregnant women
• Former foster care individuals under the age of 26
• Non-citizens with medical emergencies
• Ages of disabled individuals, not currently receiving SSI