If you or your child has Cerebral Palsy in Georgia, you may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, and Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and state-specific programs to help with health, daily living, and financial security.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with Cerebral Palsy, you (or your child) must meet the Social Security Administration’s medical definition of disability. For SSI, your income and resources must be below strict limits—$1,620/month for non-blind applicants in 2025 (higher if blind), and household resources and income also count if you are a child living at home[4]. SSDI requires a work history and enough work credits. For both, your disability must cause "marked and severe functional limitations" and be expected to last at least one year or result in death[4].
See [SSI vs SSDI] for more on key differences.
In addition to federal programs, Georgia offers Medicaid waivers and Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts. There are no state-specific disability cash benefits, but Medicaid waivers—such as NOW and COMP—provide home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, who need a nursing facility level of care. Georgia STABLE accounts are open to any Georgia resident who developed their disability before age 26[1].
Georgia’s Department of Human Services and Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities manage waiver programs. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities monitors state policy changes and provides advocacy resources[3]. State-specific information is limited; start here: Georgia STABLE, Georgia Medicaid, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for the latest updates.
Start with SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. Gather medical records, school records (for children), and proof of income/resources.
Check Georgia Medicaid: After SSI approval, most people automatically qualify for Medicaid. If not, apply through Gateway.ga.gov.
Explore waivers: Contact your Medicaid case manager or DBHDD regional office about waiver slots.
Open a Georgia STABLE account: Go to GeorgiaSTABLE.com to enroll if eligible[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to eligible children and adults with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, who meet strict income and resource limits[4][6]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers benefits to adults who have worked and paid into Social Security. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that covers medical expenses; SSI recipients usually qualify automatically. Medicare is available to adults on SSDI after a waiting period.
See [Medicaid vs Medicare] for key program differences.
Georgia Medicaid Waivers (such as NOW, COMP, and ICWP) help cover services like personal care, therapies, and respite for individuals with significant disabilities. Waivers have waiting lists; eligibility is based on need, not just income. Georgia STABLE is Georgia’s official ABLE program, letting you save for disability expenses tax-free without affecting SSI/Medicaid eligibility up to a $100,000 resource limit[1].**
There are no state-specific disability cash assistance programs, but state employees can access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program[2][5]. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities offers advocacy and resources for navigating these systems[3].
Georgia STABLE is the state’s ABLE account program. If you developed your disability before age 26, you can save up to $19,000 a year (plus an extra $15,060 if working) in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses, without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Growth is tax-free, and contributions may be tax-deductible in Georgia[1].
See [ABLE Accounts] for more on how these accounts work nationally.
For SSI, a child with Cerebral Palsy cannot earn more than $1,620/month in 2025 (non-blind). Family income and resources are also counted for children living at home. For adults, SSI income and resource limits apply. ABLE accounts help you save above these strict limits without losing benefits[4]. Use our [SSI Income Estimator] to check your situation.
Always report changes in income, resources, living situation, or work to the Social Security Administration and Georgia Medicaid promptly to avoid overpayments, which you may have to repay. Failure to report can also lead to loss of benefits. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes] for step-by-step guidance and sample forms.
If you are denied SSI or SSDI, you have the right to appeal. The process can take several months—don’t give up. Contact a legal aid organization or advocacy group for help.
Georgia’s Medicaid waivers have long waiting lists. Apply as early as possible, and check back often for updates. Advocacy groups like GCDD and Parent to Parent of Georgia can help you navigate the system and stay informed about new opportunities[3][6].
Yes, if your child meets SSA’s medical definition of disability and your household income and resources are below the limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind children). Family income and resources are counted if the child lives at home[4].
A Georgia STABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can contribute up to $19,000/year, and the account grows tax-free. Only Georgia residents whose disability began before age 26 are eligible[1].
If your child is approved for SSI, they usually qualify for Medicaid automatically. If not, apply through Gateway.ga.gov. For in-home services, ask your Medicaid case manager about waiver programs.
Yes, most Medicaid waivers (like NOW and COMP) have long waiting lists for services such as personal care, therapies, and respite care. Contact your DBHDD regional office for updates on waiver availability.
Waivers may cover personal care, therapies, respite, home modifications, and more for people who would otherwise need nursing home care. The exact services depend on the specific waiver.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that allow you to work while keeping some benefits. Georgia STABLE accounts also let you save more if you are employed. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives] for details.
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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You may become ineligible for SSI payments. However, money in a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account is not counted, up to $100,000. Always report changes to avoid overpayments.
If your application is denied, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration. If denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
No, Georgia does not have a state disability cash program. State employees may have access to short- or long-term disability insurance through their employer.
Contact Parent to Parent of Georgia, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, or a legal aid organization for assistance with applications, appeals, and advocacy[3].
