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Georgia • Neurological/Developmental
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Georgia can qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work support programs. Eligibility depends on medical criteria, income, and work history. Georgia also offers Medicaid waivers and vocational support for those who need extra help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically determinable impairment that causes marked and severe functional limitations and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how the condition affects their ability to function compared to other children their age. Adults must show they cannot do substantial work, which in 2025 means earning more than $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals ($2,700 if blind). Drug addiction or alcoholism as the main disabling condition, or disabilities from criminal activity, do not qualify. Temporary or partial disabilities also do not meet the criteria[1][8][5].
In Georgia, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify for Medicaid based on their disability status or income. Some who receive SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, but many others qualify based on income alone. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands income limits, so more people with autism may now be eligible even if they don’t get SSI. The waiver also includes reasonable accommodations for work requirements, such as reductions in required hours or help with documentation. Georgia refers people with disabilities who cannot meet work requirements to vocational rehabilitation programs, which can help them find employment and maintain Medicaid coverage[2].
Georgia offers ABLE accounts for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These accounts let you save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses like therapy, education, or housing. The first $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count against SSI resource limits. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. Learn more and open an account at the Georgia ABLE website[3].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but actual payments depend on countable income. For children, the rules are stricter and include family income. Medicaid income limits are higher, especially with Georgia’s new waiver. Check Georgia Gateway for current Medicaid income limits[1][2].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. Report changes as soon as possible. For SSI, use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office. For Medicaid, report changes through Georgia Gateway or your local DFCS office[1][2].
Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office or Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation for help with applications and support.
Yes, a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder can get SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and their family’s income and resources are low enough. The child must not be working or earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025. Apply through Social Security and include medical and school records[5].
Georgia’s Medicaid waiver expands income limits, so more people with autism can get coverage even if they don’t get SSI. It also includes reasonable accommodations for work requirements and extra services like therapy and support. Ask your local DFCS office about eligibility[2].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a qualifying disability, but SSI is need-based and SSDI is based on work history. Both can help people with autism in Georgia[1].
Yes, you can work and still get benefits, but there are limits. For SSI, you can’t earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025. For SSDI, you can’t do substantial work. Georgia also offers work incentives and reasonable accommodations to help people with autism work[1][2].
Apply for Medicaid through Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov) or your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. If you get SSI, you may be automatically enrolled. For extra services, ask about Georgia’s Medicaid waiver[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets people with autism save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the first $100,000 does not count against SSI limits. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free[3].
You must report any changes in income to Social Security or Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. Report changes as soon as possible through the SSA’s online portal or Georgia Gateway[1][2].
Yes, adults with autism can get SSDI if they have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. The disability must prevent substantial work and last at least 12 months. Apply through Social Security and include medical records[1].
Families can get SSI, Medicaid, and extra services through Georgia’s Medicaid waiver. Georgia also offers vocational rehabilitation and ABLE accounts. Contact your local DFCS office or Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation for more help[2][3].
Report changes in your disability status to Social Security or Medicaid as soon as possible. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office for SSI/SSDI. For Medicaid, report changes through Georgia Gateway or your local DFCS office[1][2].
