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Georgia • Sensory
Georgia residents with deaf-blindness can access a mix of federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, Medicaid waivers, and state ABLE (STABLE) accounts. This guide explains eligibility, highlights Georgia-specific programs, and gives clear steps to apply for help—while protecting your government assistance.
To qualify for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a person with deaf-blindness must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For children, this means having a condition that results in ‘marked and severe functional limitations.’ For adults, it means being unable to work due to disability. Income and resources are also reviewed—in 2025, a child can’t earn more than $2,700/month if blind (higher than the $1,620 limit for other disabilities). Family income and resources may affect eligibility for children living at home. SSI provides monthly cash assistance, and Medicaid often comes bundled for those who qualify. There are also federal work incentives to help people with disabilities keep benefits while working.[4]
Most Georgia programs for deaf-blindness build on federal eligibility. Medicaid waivers—like those for home and community-based services—often require both SSI/SSDI eligibility and a demonstrated need for support. Georgia STABLE, the state’s ABLE account, is open to any resident whose disability began before age 26. There are no state-specific disability cash programs for adults beyond what’s offered by SSI/SSDI, but Georgia provides extra support for education, job training, and independent living. State-specific information is limited; start with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and Georgia STABLE for the latest updates.[1][3]
Start by checking your eligibility for SSI or SSDI at ssa.gov. Gather medical records, proof of income, and ID. Apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Next, explore Georgia Medicaid waivers and Georgia STABLE for extra support. Keep records of all applications and follow up regularly. If you need help, contact local disability advocacy organizations.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to low-income children and adults with disabilities, including those who are deaf-blind. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) offers benefits to adults with a work history. Medicaid covers healthcare and may include waivers for home and community-based services. Each program has its own rules for eligibility and benefits.[4]
ABLE Accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26. They help you save without losing needs-based benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
Georgia STABLE is the state’s ABLE account program, letting you save and invest up to $19,000 a year (more if employed) for disability-related expenses, all tax-free. You must be a Georgia resident, and your disability must have started before age 26. An authorized representative can open the account if needed.[1]
Georgia Medicaid may offer extra services through waivers, but there is no state-specific cash assistance program for adults with disabilities beyond SSI/SSDI. The state is launching an online tool, Disability Benefits 101 (DB101), to help Georgians understand and navigate benefits—watch for updates on the GCDD website.[3]
State employees with deaf-blindness may access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, replacing up to 60% of pay.[2][5]
For education and advocacy, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) provides information, resources, and updates on policy changes affecting Georgians with sensory disabilities.[3]
Georgia STABLE accounts let you save and invest tax-free for disability expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year (more if you work). Growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. Your contributions may also qualify for a Georgia state income tax deduction. An authorized representative can open an account if needed.[1]
For SSI in 2025, a child with deaf-blindness (considered blind by SSA) can earn up to $2,700/month without losing benefits; for other disabilities, the limit is $1,620. Family income and resources also affect eligibility for minors. ABLE accounts have higher contribution limits and do not count toward SSI resource limits if the balance is under $100,000.[4]
Always report changes in income, resources, living situation, or disability status to the Social Security Administration and Georgia Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for step-by-step help, and keep copies of everything you submit.
If you have deaf-blindness and your disability began before age 26, a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account lets you save up to $19,000 per year for disability expenses—tax-free, and without risking your SSI or Medicaid. Even if you can’t manage your own account, a trusted family member or guardian can help.[1]
Georgia is working to improve access to info, but changes in federal policy may shift responsibility to the state. Stay informed through the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and be ready to advocate for your rights and services.[3]
In 2025, a child with deaf-blindness (considered blind by SSA) can earn up to $2,700 per month and still qualify for SSI. For other disabilities, the limit is $1,620. Family income and resources also affect eligibility for children under 18.[4]
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the SSI income limit. The Social Security Administration offers work incentives to help you keep some benefits while working. See the **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** guide for details.[4]
Georgia STABLE is a tax-free savings and investment account for disability-related expenses. You must be a Georgia resident with a disability that began before age 26. You can save up to $19,000 per year (more if employed) without losing needs-based benefits.[1]
Start by applying for SSI, which often qualifies you for Medicaid. Then, contact Georgia Medicaid or your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office to ask about waivers for home and community-based services.
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) offers information and advocacy for people with sensory disabilities. You can also contact the Social Security Administration directly for SSI/SSDI questions.[3]
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or benefits counseling. Always consult official sources or a qualified professional for personal advice.
If your child is in a medical facility and health insurance pays for their care, their SSI payment may be reduced to $30 per month. Be sure to report a child’s stay in a facility to Social Security right away.[4]
Yes, an Authorized Legal Representative (like a parent, guardian, or spouse) can open and manage a Georgia STABLE account or help with Social Security benefits if you’re unable to do so yourself.[1]
No, Georgia does not offer state-level cash assistance for adults with disabilities beyond federal SSI/SSDI. The Georgia STABLE account is the main state-specific financial benefit.[1]
Contact the Social Security Administration and Georgia Medicaid immediately if your income, resources, living situation, or disability status changes. Keeping them updated helps avoid overpayments and benefit loss.
Georgia state employees can get short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, replacing up to 60% of pay if you can’t work due to disability. Premiums are waived during the benefit period.[2][5]
