Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Benefits in Georgia

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Social Security reviews medical records, work history, and how your condition affects daily activities. Children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may also qualify for SSI if they meet the criteria and live in a household with limited income and resources[3].

In Georgia, eligibility for disability benefits depends on both federal rules and state-specific programs. For Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability. Georgia also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome live independently. State employees may be eligible for disability insurance through their employer. To open an ABLE account in Georgia, you must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account for someone who cannot do so themselves[1].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Visit the Social Security website to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services for Medicaid.
• For ABLE accounts, visit Georgia STABLE.
• State employees should check with their HR department for disability insurance options.

• Collect Documentation: Get medical records, proof of income, and any other required documents.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI: Go to the Social Security website and fill out the application. You may need to provide detailed information about your condition and how it affects your daily life.
• Apply for Medicaid: Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services. You may need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
• Apply for Medicaid Waivers: If you need home and community-based services, ask about Medicaid waivers. These can help cover costs for personal care, therapy, and other services.
• Open an ABLE Account: Visit Georgia STABLE to open an ABLE account. You must have a qualifying disability before age 26. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account for someone who cannot do so themselves.
• Check Employer Benefits: If you are a state employee, talk to your HR department about disability insurance and flexible benefits options.
• Report Changes: Keep Social Security and Medicaid informed of any changes in your income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments[1][3].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with low income and limited resources, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people who are 65 or older or have certain disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits[3].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Georgia offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome live independently. These waivers cover services like personal care, therapy, and respite care.
• Georgia STABLE (ABLE Accounts): Allows Georgians with disabilities to save and invest up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) for qualified expenses. The account's growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction.
• Disability Insurance for State Employees: State employees may have access to short-term and long-term disability insurance, which can replace a portion of their income if they are unable to work due to disability.
• Flexible Benefits Program: Offers additional protection through critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance for state employees[1][2][4].

ABLE accounts, like Georgia STABLE, allow people with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits. You can save up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) for qualified expenses. The account's growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. To open an account, you must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account for someone who cannot do so themselves[1].

For SSI, the monthly income limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620 in 2025. For blind beneficiaries, it is $2,700. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors. ABLE accounts allow savings up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) without affecting eligibility for needs-based benefits[3].

It is important to report any changes in income, health, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment requirements and loss of benefits. Keep records of all communications and changes to ensure compliance[3].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare questions.
• Georgia Department of Family and Children Services
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualify for SSI or SSDI in Georgia?

  Yes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets Social Security's disability criteria. You must provide medical evidence that your condition severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[3].

• What are the income limits for SSI in Georgia?

  For 2025, the monthly income limit for non-blind SSI beneficiaries is $1,620. For blind beneficiaries, it is $2,700. These limits may change each year[3].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Georgia?

  Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services to apply for Medicaid. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability. Medicaid can help cover medical costs for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome[3].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account, like Georgia STABLE, allows people with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits. You can save up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) for qualified expenses[1].

• Are there Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services in Georgia?

  Yes, Georgia offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These waivers can help people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome live independently by covering services like personal care, therapy, and respite care[5].

• Can state employees get disability insurance in Georgia?

  Yes, state employees in Georgia may have access to short-term and long-term disability insurance through their employer. These plans can replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to disability[2][4].