How to Get Disability for Fibromyalgia in Florida

Do you live in Florida? Do you struggle with fibromyalgia? If so, depending upon how severe your fibromyalgia is, you may find yourself unable to work or enjoy many aspects of daily life as you otherwise would. If that’s the case, you may be struggling not only with your health, but also with your finances. That’s understandable. After all, bills continue to arrive, regardless of your health or ability to work. If you find yourself in this situation, you may wonder if you should pursue a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration and how to do so in Florida. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that can cause extreme fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain, heightened nerve sensitivity, and a variety of other symptoms affecting the muscles, soft tissues, and joints throughout the body. No one knows the precise cause of fibromyalgia, although family history is often thought to be a factor, as well as physical or emotional stress that might trigger the condition. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition for which there is no cure, but fortunately, there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Fibromyalgia is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50, and is more commonly diagnosed in women, although this is certainly not always the case. Because fibromyalgia has a variety of symptoms that are often associated with other conditions as well, it can initially be challenging to diagnose, and there is no one specific test to confirm a diagnosis.

Is Fibromyalgia a Disability?

Because fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose, those who struggle with the condition often wonder whether it will be more difficult for the Social Security Administration to award benefits based on this condition. That’s an understandable question to ask.

In reviewing a claim for benefits, the Social Security Administration will seek to determine whether the condition a particular applicant has is a “disability.” To make that determination, the Social Security Administration will often consult its listing of impairments, more commonly known as the Blue Book.

Those who struggle with fibromyalgia should know that it is not specifically listed in the Blue Book. This isn’t a reason to panic, however. Those who have conditions that are not specifically listed in the Blue Book may have to provide additional medical proof to substantiate their condition and its impact on their daily life. In the case of fibromyalgia, this will likely mean providing medical evidence regarding the variety of symptoms you suffer, as well as how those symptoms prevent you from being able to work and function as you otherwise would. Depending on your situation, records from your employer (or previous employer) may also be helpful.

How Much Are Monthly Benefits?

Those who are considering a claim for disability benefits also often want to know how much they might receive each month if their claim is approved. As with so many legal questions, the answer is, “it depends.”

Partially, the answer will depend upon the type of benefits received. The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits depending on the applicant’s circumstances. These include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance: This type of benefit is intended for individuals who are “insured.” This means they worked a job for sufficient time and regularly paid a portion of their income as employment taxes into the Social Security system.
• Supplemental Security Income: Individuals do not have to be “insured” to be approved for SSI benefits, but do need to have income and resources below a certain annual limit established by the Social Security Administration.

To be approved for either type of benefit, the applicant must have a condition that the Social Security Administration recognizes as a disability. In addition, the medical condition must have caused the applicant to be unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.

If a claim is approved, the amount of monthly benefit that an individual receives will depend upon a variety of factors, including, among other things, work and earnings history, as well as income and resource level. It’s also important to understand that each type of benefit has a maximum monthly amount. In 2025, the maximum monthly amount of SSDI that an individual can receive is $4,018 per month, and the maximum monthly amount of SSI is $967 for an individual, or $1,450 per couple.

Disability Experts – Here For You

At Disability Experts, we know that living with fibromyalgia can be difficult in many ways. The last thing you need when you’re struggling with this condition is the added stress of wondering if you’re doing all that you can to pursue the benefits you need. The good news is, you don’t have to worry and wonder alone. At Disability Experts, we’re here to help. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we’ll always pursue the best strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, there’s no time like now. Give us a call and let us know how we can help. We look forward to speaking with you soon.