People with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Georgia may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on income, functional limitations, and meeting specific criteria. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with ADHD, your condition must severely limit your ability to work or perform daily activities. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Children with ADHD may qualify if their symptoms are severe and persistent. Adults must show that ADHD prevents them from doing substantial work, generally defined as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind) [6].
For Medicaid, federal rules allow states to cover people with disabilities based on income or disability status. Many people with ADHD qualify for Medicaid if their income is low, even if they don’t receive SSI [1].
In Georgia, adults with ADHD may qualify for Medicaid through the new Pathways to Coverage waiver if they are between 19 and 64, have a household income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and complete at least 80 hours of qualifying activities per month (such as work, education, or community service) [2]. The waiver expands Medicaid to more people with disabilities who do not receive SSI, but it includes work requirements and other restrictions.
Georgia also offers reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who cannot meet work requirements, such as reductions in required hours or referrals to vocational rehabilitation programs [1]. Children and adults with ADHD may also qualify for SSI if they meet federal criteria and have limited income and resources [7].
Georgia STABLE accounts let people with ADHD save for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits. You can save up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) in a tax-free account. To qualify, you must have developed ADHD before age 26. If you cannot open an account yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative (such as a parent, guardian, or spouse) can do it for you [3].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries (or $2,700 if blind) [6]. For Georgia Medicaid Pathways to Coverage, the income limit is up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $15,650 per year for one person or $26,650 for a family of three in 2025 [2].
You must report changes in income, resources, or health status to SSA and DFCS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your eligibility changes. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it wasn’t your fault [7].
Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for help with applications and eligibility questions.
Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI in Georgia if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities and you have limited income and resources. You must provide medical documentation and meet federal SSI criteria [7].
Georgia Pathways to Coverage is a Medicaid waiver program that expands health coverage to adults with disabilities, including ADHD, who have income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and complete qualifying activities each month [2].
You can apply for Medicaid with ADHD in Georgia online at pathways.georgia.gov or at your local Department of Family and Children Services office. You’ll need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability [2].
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits in Georgia. There are work incentives and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you cannot meet work requirements due to ADHD, you may be referred to vocational rehabilitation programs [1].
A Georgia STABLE account is a tax-free savings account for Georgians with disabilities who developed their condition before age 26. You can save for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits [3].
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or health status to SSA and DFCS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if your eligibility changes [7].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their symptoms are severe and persistent, and they have limited income and resources. You must provide medical documentation and meet federal SSI criteria [6].
Reasonable accommodations for people with ADHD in Georgia include assistance with documentation, eligibility, and appeals; reductions in required hours; and other changes agreed to by enrollees and employers. These are required by federal law to prevent disability-based discrimination [1].
You can save up to $19,000 per year in a Georgia STABLE account (and up to $15,060 more if employed) for qualified disability-related expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free [3].
If you cannot meet Medicaid work requirements due to ADHD, you may be referred to state vocational rehabilitation programs. These programs help people with disabilities find employment and may allow you to qualify for Medicaid if you meet their requirements [1].
