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Georgia • Neurodegenerative
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Georgia can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and long-term care.
People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are automatically considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for SSDI and SSI benefits. There is no waiting period for ALS; benefits start immediately after diagnosis. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, have a confirmed ALS diagnosis, and meet income and resource limits for SSI. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. In 2025, the monthly income limit for non-blind SSI applicants is $1,620, and for blind applicants, it is $2,700. These limits may change yearly. If you are working, your earnings must not exceed these amounts to qualify for SSI. SSDI does not have a strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work, which is defined as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals[7][3].
In Georgia, people with ALS may qualify for additional state benefits and programs. Georgia offers ABLE accounts, which allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for needs-based benefits. To open a Georgia STABLE account, you must be a Georgia resident who developed a qualifying disability before age 26. If you are over 26, you may still qualify if you meet federal criteria. State employees may also have access to short- and long-term disability insurance through their employer. These plans can replace up to 60% of your pay if you are unable to work due to ALS. Georgia Medicaid may cover home and community-based services for people with ALS, but eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical need. Medicaid waivers can help with long-term care and support services[1][4][5].
Georgia STABLE ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save and invest money for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits. Accountholders can save up to $19,000 per year, and if employed, up to $15,060 more. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. To open an account, you must be a Georgia resident who developed a qualifying disability before age 26. If you are over 26, you may still qualify if you meet federal criteria. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account for someone who cannot do it themselves[1].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit for non-blind applicants is $1,620, and for blind applicants, it is $2,700. These limits may change yearly. SSDI does not have a strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work, which is defined as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Medicaid and Medicaid waivers have their own income and resource limits, which vary by program and household size[3][7].
It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in fines or loss of benefits. If you receive an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan. Keep all application confirmations and correspondence for your records[3][5].
People with ALS qualify for expedited federal disability benefits. There is no waiting period; benefits start immediately after diagnosis.
Save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits. Accountholders can save up to $19,000 per year, and if employed, up to $15,060 more.
Yes, ALS qualifies for expedited disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. There is no waiting period; benefits start immediately after diagnosis. You must have a confirmed ALS diagnosis and meet income and resource limits for SSI or work history for SSDI[7][3].
A Georgia STABLE ABLE account is a tax-free savings account for people with disabilities. It allows you to save and invest money for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits. Accountholders can save up to $19,000 per year, and if employed, up to $15,060 more[1].
You can apply for SSI and SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and other documentation. The process can take several weeks to complete[7][3].
In 2025, the monthly income limit for non-blind SSI applicants is $1,620, and for blind applicants, it is $2,700. These limits may change yearly. If you are working, your earnings must not exceed these amounts to qualify for SSI[3][7].
Yes, you can get Medicaid if you have ALS in Georgia, but eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical need. Medicaid can cover medical costs and long-term care. Medicaid waivers can help with home and community-based services[5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments to people with ALS, but eligibility requirements are different[3][7].
To avoid overpayments, report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Keep all application confirmations and correspondence for your records. If you receive an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan[3][5].
Yes, Georgia state employees have access to short- and long-term disability insurance. These plans can replace up to 60% of your pay if you are unable to work due to ALS. Benefits can last for the full duration of your qualifying disability, up to your Social Security Normal Retirement Age[4].
Medicaid waivers in Georgia help people with ALS get long-term care and support services in their homes or communities. These waivers can cover personal care, respite care, and assistive technology. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical need[5].
Yes, you can save money in a Georgia STABLE ABLE account if you have ALS and meet the eligibility requirements. Accountholders can save up to $19,000 per year, and if employed, up to $15,060 more. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction[1].
