Deafness Benefits in Georgia: Guides for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and More

Federal disability benefits have strict rules. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your Deafness must cause severe functional limitations expected to last a year or longer[1][3]. For SSDI, you must have enough work credits based on your age when you became Deaf[1]. You cannot be earning above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)—in 2025, that’s $1,550/month for non-blind people, $2,590 for blind people—unless you have a work incentive[1]. SSI for children considers family income and the child’s medical needs, but the disability standard remains high[3]. Both programs require detailed proof of your Deafness and its effect on your life.

State-specific information is limited; start here:

• Medicaid Waivers: Georgia offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, including Deafness. These can help pay for supports not covered by regular Medicaid. Visit the Georgia Department of Community Health for details.
• State Disability Insurance: Georgia state employees and University System of Georgia staff may have access to short- and long-term disability plans, usually covering up to 60% of your pay with specific waiting periods[2][4][5].
• Medicaid: Cover Georgia is the state’s gateway to Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids. Medicaid eligibility for disabled adults is generally based on federal SSI rules combined with state income limits for aged, blind, and disabled individuals.

To apply for federal or state disability benefits in Georgia:

• SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local SSA office. Gather medical records, proof of income, and ID first[1].
• Medicaid: Apply online at gateway.ga.gov, by phone (1-877-423-4746), or in person. You can apply for Medicaid at the same time as SSI.
• Disability Insurance (state employees): Enroll through GaBreeze during new hire enrollment or annual open enrollment[2].
• ABLE Accounts: Open an account at gaable.com if you became Deaf before age 26.

SSI/SSDI Application Steps

1. Collect Documents: Gather proof of age, citizenship, work history, medical records, and income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns). For SSI, also include bank statements and proof of resources.
2. Submit Application: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at your nearest SSA office. Be ready for a long process; approvals often take several months[1].
3. Follow Up: Check your application status online or by phone. SSA may contact you for more information or a medical exam.
4. Appeal if Denied: If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to appeal. Consider getting help from a legal aid group or disability advocate.

Medicaid Application Steps

1. Check Eligibility: Use Georgia Gateway to see if you qualify for Medicaid, including via disability status.
2. Apply Online: Visit gateway.ga.gov to start your application. You can also apply by phone or in person.
3. Provide Proof: Submit proof of income, disability, and identity. If approved, choose your Medicaid health plan.

Georgia ABLE Account

1. Check Eligibility: You must have become Deaf before age 26.
2. Open Account: Visit gaable.com to open your account online.
3. Link to Other Benefits: Earnings in ABLE accounts generally do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly cash payments for low-income people with disabilities, including Deafness. In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $943 for individuals, $1,415 for couples, but most people receive less based on income and living situation[1].

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) pays benefits to disabled workers, including those with Deafness, who have enough work credits. Payment amounts vary based on earnings history.

Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI payments for adults. Medicaid can also help cover healthcare costs and may start sooner if you qualify through SSI or another pathway.

ABLE Accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) let people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. Georgia’s ABLE program is at gaable.com.

Work Incentives let you try working while keeping benefits—ask SSA about Ticket to Work and other programs.

Georgia Medicaid offers coverage for low-income disabled adults and children. Apply online at gateway.ga.gov. Some services for Deaf individuals may be covered under waivers or “supplemental benefits.”

Georgia Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) cover extra supports like assistive technology, communication devices, or personal care attendants. These waivers have waiting lists—contact the Georgia Department of Community Health for details.

State Employee Disability Plans provide up to 60% of your pay (with caps) for approved disabilities, including Deafness. Short-term coverage can last up to 173 days; long-term can last to retirement age[2][4][5].

University System of Georgia (USG) LTD provides up to 60% of monthly pay (max $15,000/month) for long-term disabilities, with benefits starting after 91 days[5].

Georgia ABLE Account helps you save for disability expenses without losing federal or state benefits. You must have become disabled before age 26.

No special state cash assistance program exists for Deafness outside of federal programs, Medicaid, or ABLE accounts.

ABLE accounts allow Georgians with Deafness (and other disabilities) to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility and up to $500,000 without affecting Medicaid. Visit gaable.com to enroll. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology.

SSI: In 2025, you generally can’t have more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for couples), and your income must be below the maximum benefit minus any countable income[1]. SSDI: No strict income limit, but you can’t be doing “substantial gainful activity” (over $1,550/month in 2025 unless you have a work incentive)[1]. Medicaid: Income limits for disabled adults vary; check Georgia Gateway for current rules.

If you get too much SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to SSA right away. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for tips. Medicaid also requires timely updates to your information.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 7AM–7PM

  Website

  Ask for a sign language interpreter or relay service.
• Georgia Medicaid (Cover Georgia)
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  TTY: 711 (Georgia Relay)

  Website

  For application status or help, use the Georgia Gateway portal.
• Georgia Department of Community Health
  Phone: 404-656-4507

  TTY: 711 (Georgia Relay)

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers, ask for the waiver services division.
• Georgia ABLE
  Phone: 833-674-2253

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  Questions about ABLE accounts and saving for disability expenses.
• Georgia Department of Administrative Services (Disability Insurance)
  Phone: 888-641-7186

  Website

• Does Deafness automatically qualify me for SSI or SSDI in Georgia?

  No. You must show your Deafness severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last a year or result in death. You also must meet income and, for SSDI, work credit rules[1].

• Can I work and still get benefits if I’m Deaf?

  Yes, but earnings above $1,550/month in 2025 (for non-blind people) may affect SSI and SSDI. Special work incentives can help protect your benefits while you try working. Learn more in our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.

• What Medicaid waivers are available for Deaf Georgians?

  Georgia offers HCBS waivers, which may cover extra supports for Deaf individuals, like communication devices. Waivers have waiting lists; contact the Georgia Department of Community Health for details.

• How do I apply for Georgia Medicaid for Deafness?

  Apply online at gateway.ga.gov, by phone, or in person. You’ll need proof of income, identity, and disability status. Approval can take several weeks.

• What is a Georgia ABLE account, and who qualifies?

  ABLE accounts let people who became disabled before age 26 (including Deafness) save money without losing benefits. Open an account at gaable.com. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses.

• What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI for Deaf people?

  SSI is for low-income people with disabilities; SSDI is for disabled workers with enough work credits. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for details.