Arthritis Benefits in Georgia: Your 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI with arthritis, your condition must significantly limit your ability to work or perform daily activities. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Arthritis is considered a qualifying disability if it causes marked and severe functional limitations, such as difficulty walking, standing, or using your hands for daily tasks. The Social Security Administration reviews medical records and work history to determine eligibility [4].

In Georgia, arthritis may qualify you for Medicaid waivers if you need help with daily living or home care. The state also offers ABLE accounts for Georgians with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. These accounts let you save and invest without losing needs-based benefits. State employees with arthritis may be eligible for short- and long-term disability insurance through their employer. Always check with your local agency for the latest eligibility rules and requirements [1][5].

• Check if your arthritis limits your ability to work or live independently.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online or at your local Social Security office.
• Contact your local Department of Human Services for Medicaid waivers.
• Visit Georgia STABLE for ABLE account information.

• Step 1: Review your medical records to confirm your arthritis diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Collect proof of income, resources, and work history.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You may need to provide medical evidence and complete forms.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Human Services or visit their website. You may need to complete an assessment to determine your level of need.
• Step 5: If eligible, open an ABLE account through Georgia STABLE. You can do this online or with the help of an Authorized Legal Representative.
• Step 6: If you are a state employee, check with your employer about short- and long-term disability insurance options.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments [1][4][5].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability, including arthritis.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability.
• Medicaid: Offers health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
• Medicare: Available to people with disabilities after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need help with daily living [6].

• Georgia Medicaid Waivers: Help people with arthritis get home care, personal care, and other support services.
• Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Accounts: Allow Georgians with disabilities to save and invest tax-free for qualified expenses without losing needs-based benefits.
• State Employee Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term disability insurance for state employees who can’t work due to arthritis or other qualifying conditions.
• Disability Benefits 101 (DB101): An upcoming online tool to help Georgians understand and apply for disability benefits [1][3][5].

• Georgia STABLE offers ABLE accounts for Georgians with disabilities who became disabled before age 26.
• You can save up to $19,000 per year, and if employed, up to $15,060 more.
• Account growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction.
• An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account if you cannot do it yourself [1].

• For SSI, your monthly income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2025, a child’s monthly earnings must be under $1,620 (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind) to qualify for SSI.
• For Medicaid, income and resource limits vary by program and household size.
• ABLE accounts have annual contribution limits but do not affect SSI eligibility as long as the balance is under $100,000 [4][1].

• Always report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back.
• Keep records of all changes and communications with benefit agencies [4].

• Georgia Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  Website

  For Medicaid and other human services
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and disability benefits

• Can arthritis qualify me for disability benefits in Georgia?

  Yes, arthritis can qualify you for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. You must provide medical evidence to support your claim [4].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with arthritis in Georgia?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income to complete your application [4].

• What are Medicaid waivers for arthritis in Georgia?

  Medicaid waivers help people with arthritis get home care, personal care, and other support services. Contact your local Department of Human Services for more information [6].

• Can I save money without losing my benefits if I have arthritis in Georgia?

  Yes, you can open an ABLE account through Georgia STABLE. This lets you save and invest tax-free for qualified expenses without losing needs-based benefits [1].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Georgia?

  In 2025, a child’s monthly earnings must be under $1,620 (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind) to qualify for SSI. Adult limits are similar but vary by household size [4].

• Do state employees in Georgia get disability insurance for arthritis?

  Yes, state employees can get short- and long-term disability insurance if they can’t work due to arthritis or other qualifying conditions [5].