If you’re Deaf and live in Georgia, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or other disability benefits. Your eligibility depends on your income, age, and work history. Federal and state programs can help with healthcare, cash payments, and ABLE accounts to save for disability expenses. This guide explains what’s available and how to get started.
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:
To apply for federal or state disability benefits in Georgia:
SSI/SSDI Application Steps
Medicaid Application Steps
Georgia ABLE Account
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.
If you need a sign language interpreter or have a service animal, tell SSA, Medicaid, or your HR office before appointments. Federal law protects your right to reasonable accommodations.
Contact Georgia Legal Services, the Georgia Advocacy Office, or a disability advocate for free help with applications and appeals.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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State Disability Insurance (Employees Only)
Yes, Georgia state and University System employees can get short- and long-term disability insurance, usually covering up to 60% of your pay if you’re unable to work[2][4][5].
You have 60 days to appeal a denial. Gather new medical evidence, consider getting legal help, and file your appeal with SSA as soon as possible.
Yes, if you qualify for both programs. This is called “concurrent benefits.” However, your SSI payment may be reduced if you also get SSDI.
Contact your local SSA office, Georgia Legal Services, or a disability advocate. Many nonprofits and legal aid groups help Deaf applicants for free.
