People with cystic fibrosis in Georgia may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state programs. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in Georgia, you must have a medically determinable condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2025, SGA is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you generally won’t qualify unless you have an unsuccessful work attempt. Cystic fibrosis is considered a qualifying condition if it causes marked and severe functional limitations. Drug addiction or alcoholism as the primary disabling condition, or disabilities from criminal activity, do not qualify. Temporary or partial disabilities also do not meet the criteria [1].
In Georgia, people with cystic fibrosis may qualify for Medicaid based on their disability status or income. Many people with disabilities in Georgia get Medicaid even if they don’t receive SSI. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands income limits, which may help more people with cystic fibrosis qualify for coverage. The waiver also includes reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who cannot meet work requirements, such as reductions in required hours or referrals to vocational rehabilitation programs. State employees may also access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, which can replace up to 60% of pay if unable to work due to cystic fibrosis [2][3][6].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Georgia offers ABLE accounts, which can be used for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are limited, and earnings grow tax-free. For more information, see the Georgia ABLE account program [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum benefit is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but actual benefits depend on countable income. For Medicaid, Georgia’s new waiver expands income limits, which may help more people with cystic fibrosis qualify for coverage. For children, SSI rules consider both the child’s and family’s income and resources [1][2][5].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. For Medicaid, report changes in income or employment. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for help with your application. Many organizations offer free assistance.
Yes, cystic fibrosis can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations and prevents you from working. You must meet medical and work requirements, and your income and resources must be within limits for SSI [1].
You can apply for Medicaid in Georgia through Georgia Gateway or with help from a local agency. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands eligibility for people with disabilities, including those who don’t get SSI [2].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you generally won’t qualify for SSI or SSDI unless you have an unsuccessful work attempt [1].
Yes, state employees in Georgia can access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. These plans can replace up to 60% of pay if unable to work due to cystic fibrosis [3][6].
Georgia provides reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who cannot meet Medicaid work requirements, such as reductions in required hours or referrals to vocational rehabilitation programs [2].
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 must report changes in income or resources to Social Security or Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Yes, children with cystic fibrosis can get SSI if they meet medical and income requirements. SSI rules consider both the child’s and family’s income and resources [5].
For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples, but actual benefits depend on countable income [1].
For state employee disability insurance in Georgia, short-term disability has a 7- or 30-day waiting period, and long-term disability has a 180-day waiting period [3][6].
Yes, people with cystic fibrosis can save money in an ABLE account without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Georgia offers ABLE accounts for qualified disability expenses [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
