Q: Where can someone with a disability turn if they are in a mental health crisis in Florida?

Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) at any time — it connects to trained counselors and has a dedicated Veterans press option. For immediate psychiatric emergencies, Florida's Baker Act allows for voluntary or involuntary assessment at designated receiving facilities. You can find your nearest receiving facility through the Florida Department of Children and Families at myflfamilies.com or by calling 2-1-1. If domestic violence is also a concern, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.

Question 1

How do I get personal care or home health services if I have a disability in Florida?

Accepted Answer

The most common pathways are Florida Medicaid's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program and the APD Medicaid waiver for developmental disabilities. Both fund in-home personal care aides and related supports. To start, contact your regional Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) — reachable via the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or by calling 2-1-1 — to request a needs assessment and learn which program fits your diagnosis and income level.

Question 2

I was just diagnosed with a disability and cannot work. What income help is available right away?

Accepted Answer

You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, which does not require a work history. If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide a higher benefit. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. While your application is pending, you may also qualify for Florida Medicaid, SNAP food benefits, and utility assistance through LIHEAP — apply for all three through the ACCESS Florida portal at myflorida.com/accessflorida or by calling DCF at 1-866-762-2237.

Question 3

Are there housing resources specifically for people with disabilities in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HUD's Section 811 program funds supportive housing units for people with disabilities, and local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administer Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) with disability-priority preferences in many areas. Florida also has HUD-funded Continuums of Care in each region that coordinate housing and case management for people who are homeless or at risk. Contact your local PHA directly or call 2-1-1 to be connected with the nearest housing resource. The APD waiver can also fund supported-living arrangements for people with developmental disabilities.

Question 4

Where can someone with a disability turn if they are in a mental health crisis in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) at any time — it connects to trained counselors and has a dedicated Veterans press option. For immediate psychiatric emergencies, Florida's Baker Act allows for voluntary or involuntary assessment at designated receiving facilities. You can find your nearest receiving facility through the Florida Department of Children and Families at myflfamilies.com or by calling 2-1-1. If domestic violence is also a concern, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.

Disability Resources in Florida

Key programs in Florida

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Florida Medicaid — Long-Term Care & Waiver Programs

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — Florida

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) — Florida

Disability Resources resources for Florida

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Social Security Disability (SSA)

The Arc

Other resources in Florida

Disability Resources in other states