$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Florida Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Florida
SSDI in Florida - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Florida - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Florida as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2026
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SSDI take in Florida?
SSA doesn't publish state-by-state decision times, so there's no official Florida number. Nationally, SSA reports hearing wait times have improved to under 9 months on average. If approved, a 5-month waiting period from your disability onset date applies before payments start.
How do I appeal a denied SSDI claim in Florida?
You have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration. If that is denied too, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at one of Florida's Office of Hearings Operations locations. Most claims that are ultimately approved are approved at the hearing stage.
Can I work while on SSDI in Florida?
Yes, within limits. SSA lets you test working through a 9-month Trial Work Period without losing benefits. After that, benefits generally stop only if you earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which is $1,690 a month in 2026 for non-blind individuals and $2,830 for blind individuals.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Florida - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Florida - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Florida, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Florida does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as income for SSI in Florida?
Not all income counts the same. SSA excludes the first $20 of most monthly income and the first $65 of earnings, then counts only half of what is left. This is why your SSI payment is often higher than a simple income-minus-limit calculation suggests.
Can SSI help pay for assisted living in Florida?
Not through the federal SSI payment alone, but Florida runs a related program called Optional State Supplementation (OSS) that helps cover assisted living costs. If you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and living in a licensed facility, OSS can pay the gap between your income and the facility rate, minus a small personal needs allowance.
Does SSI in Florida automatically qualify me for Medicaid?
Yes. Florida is what SSA calls a "1634 state," meaning approval for SSI generally triggers automatic Medicaid enrollment with no separate application needed.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Florida
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Florida
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a VA disability claim decision?
VA's national average was about 79 days to complete a decision as of mid-2026, down from roughly 141 days at the start of 2025. Florida has one of the highest volumes of pending claims in the country, but decisions come from a national work queue, not by state.
Does Florida waive property taxes for disabled veterans?
Yes. Veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA disability rating pay $0 in property tax on their primary residence, and veterans rated 10% or higher qualify for at least a $5,000 exemption. This is a state benefit on top of your federal VA compensation, applied through your county property appraiser.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Florida
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Florida
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Florida?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program directly. Medicare Advantage bundles everything through a private insurer and often includes dental, vision, and extras. Turnout can help you compare the right option for your situation.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Florida
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Florida
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
HOW COMMON IT IS
15%
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES), 2022-23
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Florida public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under Florida's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) categories, including specific learning disabilities, autism, speech or language delays, emotional/behavioral disability, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Can I use my child's IEP to pay for private school in Florida?
Yes. Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities (FES-UA) lets families use an existing IEP to qualify for a state-funded education savings account, which can cover private school tuition, therapy, and tutoring. Most states don't offer anything like this.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Florida
Free or low-cost health coverage for Florida residents with limited income.
Medicaid in Florida
Free or low-cost health coverage for Florida residents with limited income.
Florida Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Florida is a non-expansion state, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with very low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. Most childless adults do not qualify, even with no income.
MEDICAID EXPANSION STATUS
Not expanded
Non-disabled adults without children generally don't qualify, no matter their income
KFF, 2026
INCOME LIMIT FOR PARENTS
~$600/mo (family of 3)
Around 27% of the federal poverty level, one of the lowest parent limits in the country
Florida DCF / KFF, 2026
LONG-TERM CARE
Waitlist required
Placement is based on a priority rank from a phone screening, not on how long you have waited
Florida AHCA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children under 19 in households at or below the state's income limit
- Pregnant women at or below the state's income limit, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Parents or caretaker relatives of a minor child at or below Florida's income limit, one of the lowest in the country
- Adults 65 and older, or with a qualifying disability, most often through SSI or a long-term care assessment
How to apply
Apply online at myaccess.myflfamilies.com, Florida's official portal, or call the DCF Customer Contact Center at 850-300-4323. Submit proof of income, identity, and Florida residency. Most applications take up to 45 days, while disability or long-term care applications can take up to 90 days. For long-term care, also call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 to start your care-needs screening.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Medicaid in Florida if I don't have kids?
Only if you're 65 or older, pregnant, or have a qualifying disability. Florida hasn't expanded Medicaid, so healthy adults without children generally don't qualify no matter how low their income is.
What if I don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford insurance in Florida?
If your income is at or above 100% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify for ACA premium tax credits through HealthCare.gov instead. If you're below that and don't qualify for Medicaid, Florida's Medically Needy program lets you spend down medical bills to a monthly share of cost.
What if my Medicaid application is denied in Florida?
You have 90 days from your Notice of Case Action to request a fair hearing, through your local DCF office, the Customer Call Center, or the Appeal Hearings Section. A neutral hearing officer, uninvolved in the original decision, issues a written Final Order.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Florida (Food Assistance Program)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Florida (Food Assistance Program)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps people with low income buy groceries each month using an EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores. In Florida, SNAP is called the Food Assistance Program and is administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through the same system as Medicaid and cash assistance.
GROSS INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Florida's SNAP gross income limit is well above the federal 130% floor most other states use, because of broad-based categorical eligibility
Florida DCF / USDA FNS, 2025
ASSET LIMIT
No asset test
Most Florida households qualify without an asset test, as long as they meet the income limit
Florida DCF, 2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
The federal maximum monthly SNAP allotment for a household of four in the 48 contiguous states and DC for FY2026, so Florida uses this figure too
USDA FNS FY2026 SNAP COLA memo
Who qualifies
- Florida residents who are U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Adults age 18 to 54 who must work or take part in a work program to keep benefits past 3 months
- Seniors and people with disabilities, who qualify under separate income rules
How to apply
Apply online at myaccess.myflfamilies.com, Florida's official portal, or call the Department of Children and Families at 850-300-4323. Proof of income, identity, and Florida residency is required. Most applications are processed within 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Florida EBT card if I travel to another state?
Yes. Once issued, your EBT card works at any USDA-authorized retailer nationwide, not just in Florida.
How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Florida?
Applications are processed within 30 days. In an emergency you may qualify for expedited processing and can receive benefits within 7 days.
What can't you buy with food stamps in Florida?
You cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, or non-food items. Starting April 20, 2026, Florida also excludes soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts under a USDA waiver.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Florida
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Florida
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Cash Assistance usually qualifies you automatically.
WHO RUNS IT
Florida Dept. of Health
Unlike Medicaid and SNAP, which go through DCF, WIC in Florida is run by the Department of Health, with clinics in all 67 counties
Florida DOH, 2026
FLORIDIANS SERVED
420,000+
Women, infants, and children enrolled in Florida WIC in an average month (FY2023)
USDA WIC Data Tables, FY2023 (via NWICA)
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5
- Florida residents at or below Florida's WIC income limit, automatically met if enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF
- Nutritional risk identified at a WIC clinic visit, such as being underweight, anemic, or having a poor diet
How to apply
Call Florida's statewide toll-free number at 800-342-3556 to start an application and schedule an appointment at your local county WIC office. Bring proof of income, identity, and Florida residency. If eligible, approval can be immediate.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Florida's food list.
What happens at a WIC appointment?
A WIC staff member checks height, weight, and iron levels, reviews your income and household size, and confirms a nutritional risk. Most appointments take about 90 minutes, and some Florida clinics offer virtual appointments through TeleWIC.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Florida
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Florida
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP helps low-income households pay their energy bills and avoid shutoffs during a crisis. In Florida, FloridaCommerce oversees the program, but families apply through a local Community Action Agency, not a single state office. Cooling assistance matters in Florida, where summer heat and humidity drive up bills.
WHO RUNS IT
Local agencies
FloridaCommerce oversees LIHEAP statewide, but you apply through a local Community Action Agency
FloridaCommerce, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median income
Households must earn at or below this level; some local agencies also accept 150% of the federal poverty level
FloridaCommerce, 2026
CRISIS ASSISTANCE MAX
Up to $1,000 per award
The standard LIHEAP crisis cap per award, and you can receive more than one award in a program year; the separate elderly EHEAP program goes up to $2,000
Florida LIHEAP portal, FY2026
Who qualifies
- Florida residents responsible for paying home heating or cooling bills
- U.S. citizens, qualified non-citizens, or permanent residents
- Household income at or below 60% of Florida's state median income, or 150% of the federal poverty level
- Priority given to households with elderly members, people with disabilities, or children under 6
How to apply
Florida doesn't use one statewide application portal. Contact your local Community Action Agency or nonprofit provider directly; call 850-717-8450 if you don't know who serves your county. You'll need proof of income for everyone in the household and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. Approved benefits are paid directly to your utility company, not to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my electricity from being shut off in Florida?
Contact your local Community Action Agency and apply for Crisis assistance. Florida's standard LIHEAP crisis award is up to $1,000, and you can receive more than one award in a program year. Households with an elderly member may qualify for the separate EHEAP program, which goes up to $2,000.
Does LIHEAP cover gas or propane bills in Florida?
Only in winter, and only if gas or propane is your primary heating source. If it's just for cooking or hot water, LIHEAP won't cover that portion.
How many times a year can I get LIHEAP in Florida?
Once per year for regular Home Energy Assistance, which resets 12 months after your last award. Crisis assistance for an active shutoff is handled separately and may be available more than once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Florida
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of Marketplace health insurance for qualifying Floridians.
ACA Subsidies in Florida
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of Marketplace health insurance for qualifying Floridians.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that lower your monthly cost for a health insurance plan bought through the Marketplace. Florida doesn't run its own exchange, so residents enroll through the federal HealthCare.gov. Because Florida has not expanded Medicaid, the Marketplace is often the only coverage option for adults who don't fit a narrow Medicaid category.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
4.54 million
Floridians enrolled in an ACA Marketplace plan for 2026, the most of any state
CMS / healthinsurance.org, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
95%
Florida Marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 - Dec 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
CMS, 2026
Who qualifies
- U.S. citizens or lawfully present immigrants who file a tax return
- Households with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or affordable employer coverage
- Those not enrolled in Medicare
How to apply
Apply at HealthCare.gov or by phone at 1-800-318-2596 with free help from a licensed agent. Enter your household size and income to calculate your subsidy, then compare and choose a plan. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Dec 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Coverage typically starts the following month.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I make too little for ACA subsidies in Florida?
Because Florida hasn't expanded Medicaid, adults earning below 100% of the federal poverty level who don't fit a Medicaid category may fall into a coverage gap with no subsidized option.
What's the difference between Medicaid and ACA subsidies in Florida?
Medicaid is based on very low income and has no monthly premium. ACA subsidies lower the cost of a private Marketplace plan and require income at or above 100% of the federal poverty level.
What happens if I underestimate my income for ACA subsidies?
Starting with 2026 coverage, if you underestimated your income and received a bigger subsidy than you qualified for, you may have to repay the extra amount when you file your taxes.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Florida (Temporary Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Florida (Temporary Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF, known in Florida as Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), gives families with children a small amount of monthly cash for basic needs. It is run by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), with local Workforce Development Boards handling work requirements. It comes with a state lifetime limit and a work requirement through the Welfare Transition Program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENT
$303 (family of 3)
The maximum cash grant for a family of three, among the lowest in the country and largely unchanged since the 1990s. This is the benefit paid, which is lower than the income eligibility limit
Florida DCF, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
48 months
Adults can receive TCA for a total of 48 months over their lifetime; child-only cases have no time limit
Florida DCF, 2026
ASSET LIMIT
$2,000
Countable assets must stay under this amount to qualify. A home and one vehicle typically do not count
Florida DCF, 2026
Who qualifies
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens who are Florida residents
- Families with children under 18, or 19 if a full-time high school student
- Adults must register for work activities through the Welfare Transition Program, unless exempt
- Households with very low income and countable assets under $2,000
How to apply
Apply online at myaccess.myflfamilies.com, or call the DCF Customer Call Center at 850-300-4323. You'll need proof of income, assets, Florida residency, and each child's relationship to the applicant. DCF schedules a short eligibility interview, and most adults must register for work activities unless exempt. Decisions typically come within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Temporary Cash Assistance and TANF?
They are the same thing. Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is simply Florida's name for the federal TANF program, run by Florida DCF.
What happens if I don't meet work requirements in Florida?
Cash assistance can be terminated, starting at 10 days after a first violation, up to 3 months for repeated violations.
Does getting TANF affect my SNAP or Medicaid in Florida?
No, they're separate programs with separate eligibility rules. Being approved for TCA doesn't reduce or replace your SNAP or Medicaid benefits, and applying can screen you for all three.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Florida (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Florida (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a federal tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax, and it can add thousands of dollars to your refund. Florida has no state income tax and no state-level EITC, so the value of this credit comes entirely from the federal government.
STATE EITC SUPPLEMENT
None
Florida does not add its own credit on top of the federal EITC
IRS, 2026
FLORIDIANS WHO CLAIM IT
2.2 million households
Received billions through the federal EITC in a recent tax year, averaging roughly $2,800 per household
IRS, 2026
LEFT UNCLAIMED EACH YEAR
1 in 5 eligible
About 1 in 5 eligible Floridians don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment, below the IRS limit for their filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any qualifying children
- Filers without a qualifying child must be between 25 and 65 years old
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
File a federal tax return, even if you're not otherwise required to. Use the IRS EITC Assistant at irs.gov to check your eligibility before filing. Free help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers if you earn under about $67,000. By law, the IRS holds EITC refunds until mid-February. Florida adds no state EITC, so there is nothing extra to file at the state level.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida have its own state EITC?
No. Florida does not offer a state earned income tax credit. Only the federal EITC is available to Florida workers.
What if I'm self-employed, can I still get the EITC?
Yes. Net earnings from self-employment count as earned income for the EITC, the same as wages from a job. You'll need to file a Schedule C and report your income and expenses accurately to claim it.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
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Child Tax Credit in Florida
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Florida
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Florida families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Florida does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS, 2026
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida have its own Child Tax Credit?
No. Florida does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit, so only the federal credit applies here.
How much is the Child Tax Credit worth per child in Florida?
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 of that refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit.
What if my child doesn't have a Social Security number yet?
Your child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the due date of your return, including extensions, to qualify. A child with only an ITIN does not qualify, though you may be able to claim the smaller $500 Credit for Other Dependents instead.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Florida (School Readiness)
Subsidized child care for working Florida families.
Child Care Assistance in Florida (School Readiness)
Subsidized child care for working Florida families.
Florida's child care assistance program, School Readiness, helps low-income parents pay for child care while they work, attend school, or complete training. It is run locally through regional Early Learning Coalitions rather than a single statewide office, and the program pays providers directly while families pay a sliding-scale share.
CHILDREN SERVED STATEWIDE
212,062
Children enrolled in Florida's School Readiness program in FY2023-24, through more than 6,800 participating providers
Florida DOE, 2024
INCOME LIMIT TO ENTER
150% FPL
Families enter at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and can keep the subsidy through a graduated phase-out up to 85% of the state median income
Florida DOE, 2026
WORK REQUIREMENT
20 hours/week
Parents must work or attend school at least 20 hours a week to qualify
Florida DOE, 2026
Who qualifies
- Florida residents with a child through age 12, or older with a disability
- A parent or guardian working or in school at least 20 hours a week
- Household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level to enter
- Children at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, plus homeless, domestic-violence, and migrant families, regardless of income
How to apply
Apply through the Family Portal at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com, Florida's statewide application system, or contact your regional Early Learning Coalition. Submit proof of income, your work or school schedule, and Florida residency. Funding is limited, so expect to be placed on a waitlist.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I have to pay for child care with School Readiness in Florida?
It depends on your income and family size. Florida uses a sliding fee, so families with lower income pay a smaller copayment directly to their provider, while School Readiness covers the rest.
What if my income goes up while I'm on School Readiness in Florida?
Florida runs a separate program called School Readiness Plus, which lets families keep partial assistance as income rises instead of losing the subsidy all at once. It applies to households between 85% and 100% of the state median income.
How do I check my place on the School Readiness waitlist in Florida?
Contact your local Early Learning Coalition directly. Waitlist placement isn't tracked on one statewide portal, so your local coalition has the only accurate answer for your case.
Government resources
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