Aphasia Benefits in Georgia: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, a person must have a medical condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations. For SSI, income and resources must be limited. For children, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers both the child’s and family’s income and resources. For adults, work activity is limited to $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. These amounts are adjusted annually. If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for monthly payments and Medicaid coverage. [^1]

In Georgia, people with aphasia may qualify for state-specific programs if they meet federal eligibility rules. Georgia STABLE offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities that began before age 26. These accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without affecting needs-based benefits. State employees may also have access to short- and long-term disability insurance through their employer. Medicaid waivers, such as the HCBS waiver, can provide additional support for home and community-based services. [^2][^3]

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through Georgia Gateway.
• For ABLE accounts, visit Georgia STABLE.
• For state employee disability insurance, contact your HR office.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI using the SSA’s guidelines. You must have a medical condition that causes marked and severe functional limitations. [^1]
• Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. [^1]
• Step 4: If approved, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. If not, apply for Medicaid through Georgia Gateway. [^4]
• Step 5: For ABLE accounts, visit Georgia STABLE and complete the application. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. [^2]
• Step 6: For state employee disability insurance, contact your HR office to enroll. [^3]
• Step 7: Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments. [^5]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability. [^1]
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. [^1]
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources. [^1]
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI. [^1]

• Georgia STABLE (ABLE Accounts): Tax-free savings accounts for disability-related expenses. [^2]
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities. [^4]
• State Employee Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term disability insurance for state employees. [^3]
• Flexible Benefits Program: Additional disability insurance options for state employees. [^3]

• Georgia STABLE offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities that began before age 26. [^2]
• Accountholders can save and invest up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for qualified expenses. [^2]
• Account growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. [^2]

• For SSI, monthly income limits are $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. [^1]
• For ABLE accounts, annual contribution limits are $19,000 (plus up to $15,060 more if employed). [^2]
• Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. [^4]

• Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments. [^5]
• Overpayments can result in repayment or reduced future benefits. [^5]
• Keep records of all changes and communications with agencies. [^5]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Georgia Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can aphasia qualify for SSI in Georgia?

  Yes, aphasia can qualify for SSI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations. You must also meet income and resource limits. [^1]

• What is a Georgia STABLE account?

  A Georgia STABLE account is an ABLE account that allows tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without affecting needs-based benefits. [^2]

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Georgia?

  You can apply for Medicaid in Georgia through Georgia Gateway, the state’s online application portal. [^4]

• What is the income limit for SSI in Georgia?

  The income limit for SSI in Georgia is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. [^1]

• Can I work while receiving SSI?

  Yes, you can work while receiving SSI, but your earnings must not exceed the monthly limits. [^1]

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. [^1]

• How do I report changes in my income or health?

  Report changes to Social Security or Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. [^5]