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Georgia • Chronic Illness
If you or your child has asthma in Georgia, you may be eligible for federal and state benefits to help with medical costs, living expenses, and work support. Key options include SSI, Medicaid, state disability insurance for employees, and ABLE accounts. Learn how to qualify and apply below.
Federal benefits like SSI and SSDI require a disability that causes “marked and severe functional limitations” expected to last at least a year or result in death. For children, asthma must cause major breathing problems, frequent hospital stays, or limit daily activities. Adults must show asthma prevents work. Income and asset limits apply for SSI[2]. For SSDI, work credits are required based on age and work history.
SSI looks at both the child’s and family’s income and resources. In 2025, a child cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (non-blind); if income is higher, they may be denied SSI[2]. The same rules apply for adults, with slightly higher limits if blind.
Some work is allowed while keeping benefits, but earnings must stay under the set limit each month[4].
Georgia follows federal guidelines for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. No Georgia-specific asthma benefit program exists, but all eligible residents can apply for these federal programs.
Georgia state employees with asthma may access short-term and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. This replaces up to 60% of pay if you cannot work due to illness, including chronic conditions like severe asthma. Waiting periods apply (7 or 30 days for short-term, 180 days for long-term)[1][3].
Georgia Medicaid covers children and adults with low income and disabilities. Some waivers may help cover extra services, but eligibility is similar to federal rules. For the most accurate state-specific details, contact the Georgia Department of Community Health or visit their website.
Start by checking if your asthma meets federal disability standards (severe, long-term, limits daily activity or work). Gather medical records. Decide which programs fit your needs (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, state disability insurance). Visit your local Social Security office or apply online for federal benefits. State employees should contact HR for disability insurance. Use Georgia’s Medicaid portal to apply for health coverage.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to children and adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Asthma must cause severe functional limitations[2][6]. SSI also gives automatic Medicaid eligibility in most states, including Georgia.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For adults who have worked and paid into Social Security. Asthma must prevent substantial work. Benefits depend on your work history.
Medicare: Available after receiving SSDI for 24 months. Covers hospital, doctor, and some prescription costs.
ABLE Accounts: Federally authorized savings accounts for people with disabilities, usable in Georgia. Money saved does not count against SSI resource limits up to $100,000.
Georgia Medicaid: Provides health coverage for low-income children and adults, including those with disabilities like severe asthma. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
Medicaid Waivers: Georgia offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers that may provide extra support for people with disabilities. Ask about these when applying for Medicaid.
Georgia Flexible Benefits Program: State employees (including those with asthma) can enroll in short-term and long-term disability insurance. Benefits can replace up to 60% of pay if you are unable to work due to illness[1][3].
No state-specific asthma benefit program: Georgia does not have a program just for asthma, but uses federal rules for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. For the most current details, check with Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Department of Community Health.
Georgia ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (including asthma, if they qualify for SSI) save up to $100,000 without losing SSI benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, housing, and education. Learn more in our guide to ABLE Accounts.
For SSI in 2025, individuals cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind)[2][4]. Income includes wages and other support. Resources (like savings) must stay under $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Medicaid in Georgia has similar income rules for disability-related eligibility.
If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, assets, living situation, or medical condition right away. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes explains how to stay compliant.
If you work for the State of Georgia, you can enroll in short-term or long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. This can replace up to 60% of your pay if asthma or another illness stops you from working. Talk to your HR department for details and enrollment[1][3].
Children with severe asthma may qualify for SSI and Medicaid, even if family income is above regular limits, through “Katie Beckett” and similar waiver programs. Ask about these waivers when applying for Medicaid in Georgia.
Yes, if asthma causes severe, long-term limitations in daily activities or work. Children and adults may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid based on medical need and income[2][6].
No, Georgia uses federal programs like SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. State employees may access disability insurance. For extra help, ask about Medicaid waivers when applying.
The limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Higher income may disqualify you from SSI benefits[2][4].
Apply online through Georgia Gateway, by phone, or at a DFCS office. Include documentation of your asthma diagnosis and how it affects your daily life.
Yes, but earnings must stay under the SSI income limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Work incentives may help you keep some benefits—see our guide on [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#/guides/work-incentives)[2][4].
An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI. If you get SSI and have a disability before age 26, consider opening a Georgia ABLE account.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Always check with the official program or a qualified professional for the most current rules and personal eligibility.
Processing times vary. Initial decisions take 3–5 months. Appeals can take longer. Providing complete medical records speeds up the process.
You must report changes to Social Security and Georgia Medicaid. Not reporting can cause overpayments—see our guide on [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](#/guides/overpayments-and-reporting).
Georgia Medicaid covers essential health services with no set visit limits, but prior authorization may be needed for some treatments.
Contact your local Social Security office for SSI/SSDI help. For Medicaid, call Georgia Gateway or visit a DFCS office. State employees should ask HR about disability insurance[3].
