If you live in Georgia and have chronic pain that limits your daily activities, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your chronic pain must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your medical records, work history, and how your pain affects daily life. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough work credits. Both programs require that your condition is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Blindness and age can change some rules. [^1]
In Georgia, you may also qualify for Medicaid waivers if your chronic pain limits your ability to live independently. These waivers can help pay for home care, therapy, and other supports. To get a waiver, you must meet both medical and financial rules. Georgia also offers STABLE (ABLE) accounts for people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. State employees can get short- and long-term disability insurance through their jobs. [^2][^3][^4]
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $19,000 a year, and if you work, you can save up to $15,060 more. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. Anyone who became disabled before age 26 can open an account. [^3]
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. Resources (like savings) must be under $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. These limits can change each year. [^1]
If your income or resources change, you must report it to SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you get more benefits than you are entitled to. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties. [^1]
Contact your local Social Security office or Area Agency on Aging for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your chronic pain is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and meet income and resource rules.
In 2025, the monthly income limit for SSI is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. Resources must be under $2,000 for an individual.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need medical records and work history.
Medicaid waivers in Georgia provide extra support for people with disabilities who need help with daily living. Waivers can pay for home care, therapy, and other services.
Yes, if you became disabled before age 26, you can open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account. You can save up to $19,000 a year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
SSI is for people with low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.
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, state employees in Georgia can get short- and long-term disability insurance through their jobs. This covers up to 60% of pay if you can’t work due to illness or injury.
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to SSA as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
For SSDI, there is a 5-month waiting period before benefits start. For SSI, benefits can start as soon as you are approved, but there may be a delay if you need to provide more information.
Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SSI or SSDI limits. There are work incentives that let you keep some benefits while you try to work.
