Disability Resources

Working People with Disabilities Program

History of Working People with Disabilities Program (WPD)

For many years, people who use Medicaid-funded home and community-based services (HCBS) have faced problems with employment. This is because Medicaid has income restrictions and private, employer-sponsored health insurance doesn’t cover the services that many people with disabilities need.

Many states address this issue through Medicaid Buy-in Programs, which allows workers with disabilities to access to Medicaid community-based services not available through other insurance. However, Florida doesn’t currently have a Medicaid Buy-In Program.

Working People with Disabilities (WPD) is an option that can help you keep Medicaid services while making and saving more money through a streamlined process.

After many years of advocacy to address this barrier to competitive employment, the Florida legislature commissioned a study in 2018 and approved the Working Peoples Program in 2019. It became active in 2020 after federal approval.

Eligibility

Any individual covered by one of the HCBS Waivers. This includes:

The iBudget waiver
Long-Term Care Waiver
Familial Dysautonomia Waiver
The Model Waiver

How to Enroll in the Working People with Disabilities Program

New waiver recipients should be automatically eligible once they receive waiver services.

If you receive SSI or SSDI, tell Social Security that you are working using WPD, and begin reporting the income through the standard reporting process.

If you are not receiving social security, notify the Department of Children and Families that you will be working and will be using the WPD, which allows you to make more money without losing Medicaid eligibility.

There is no specific application or form to fill out to enroll in WPD. Talk with Social Security and/or the Department of Children and Families and tell them that you want to use the Working People with Disabilities Program.

Working Peoples 2026 Limits

The limits for WPD are 550% of the federal benefit rate (FBR).

Monthly Income limit

For an individual: $5,467
For a couple: $10,934

Annual Asset Limit

For an individual: $13,000
For a couple: $24,000

Qualified Income or Guardian pooled trusts can be used in conjunction with WPD for any excess income.

Benefits of WPD

Large increase in earnings and saving limits without impact on trusts
Work more and stop turning down raises
Work higher paying jobs and work over-time
More Medicaid security – no more getting on and off Medicaid based on income changes

More information about Working People with Disabilities