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Georgia • Mental Health
Georgia offers federal and state supports for people with depression and other mental health disabilities. This guide outlines important benefits—SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, and more—plus step-by-step instructions to apply for Georgia disability benefits.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits with depression, you must have a severe, medically documented condition that has lasted—or is expected to last—at least one year or result in death. For SSI or SSDI, your depression must limit your ability to do basic work activities or daily living. SSI also has strict income and resource limits. For children, the condition must cause marked and severe functional limitations, and work/earnings restrictions apply: in 2025, a child must not earn more than $1,620/month if non-blind, or $2,700/month if blind[4]. The Social Security Administration provides up-to-date criteria and resources for all federal programs[4].
Georgia does not have a separate state-level disability program for people with depression, but does supplement federal programs. The state offers the Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account program for eligible individuals, which lets you save and invest without losing federal benefits like SSI. To qualify for Georgia STABLE, you must be a Georgia resident and have developed a qualifying disability before age 26[1]. Georgia’s Flexible Benefits Program provides public employees with disability insurance, including short- and long-term coverage for medically verified disabilities, including mental health conditions like depression[5]. There is limited state-specific information on mental health waivers; check with the Department of Human Services for the latest Medicaid waiver options.
To get started, find out if you or your child meet the federal eligibility criteria for SSI or SSDI. For Georgia residents, also check if you qualify for state programs like Medicaid waivers, Georgia STABLE (ABLE accounts), or disability insurance through work. Gather medical records, work history, and proof of income. For SSI/SSDI, apply online via Social Security Administration. For Georgia STABLE, apply at the Georgia STABLE website[1]. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department of Human Services. Always keep records of your applications and follow up regularly.
Step 1: Gather documentation: medical records showing diagnosis and treatment of depression, work history, pay stubs, and evidence of how your depression affects daily activities and ability to work.
Step 2: Apply for federal benefits: Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website to start your application for SSI or SSDI. You can apply online, by phone, or at your local SSA office. Be thorough in explaining how depression impacts your life and work.
Step 3: Explore state options: For Georgia STABLE, visit georgiastable.com to open an account if you are eligible[1]. This is especially helpful if you want to save money without losing federal benefits.
Step 4: Medicaid and waivers: Contact your local Department of Human Services to ask about Medicaid waivers (such as NOW/COMP waivers) for people with mental health disabilities. These may offer additional in-home services or community supports.
Step 5: If you are a Georgia public employee, review your Flexible Benefits Program options through the Georgia Department of Administrative Services for disability insurance[5]. You may be eligible for short- or long-term coverage, including mental health conditions.
Step 6: Keep track of deadlines, required paperwork, and any changes in income, living situation, or health status. Update your benefits providers as needed to avoid overpayments or loss of coverage. Follow up regularly on your applications and appeals.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities (including mental health conditions like depression) who have limited income and resources. SSI is for adults and children who meet medical and financial criteria[4].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify. Depression must prevent you from working for at least a year.
Medicaid: Provides health insurance, including for mental health treatment. Eligibility may be based on income, disability, or participation in other programs. Some Georgians with mental health disabilities may qualify for special Medicaid waivers that offer services beyond regular Medicaid.
Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI payments, covering inpatient, outpatient, and prescription drug benefits.
Medicaid vs. Medicare: Medicaid is income-based; Medicare is for those who have paid into Social Security. Both can cover therapy, medication, and hospital care for depression. See our internal guide for details.
Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work encourage employment for people receiving SSI or SSDI. Special rules let you work and keep benefits during transition.
ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities (in Georgia, those with onset before age 26) to save and invest without losing federal benefits[1].
State-specific programs for depression are limited, but Georgia provides important supports that work with federal benefits:
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Accounts: Georgia STABLE lets people with disabilities—including mental health conditions—save and invest up to $19,000 a year (plus more if employed) without losing SSI or Medicaid. Accounts grow tax-free and contributions may be deductible for Georgia income tax. To qualify, you must be a Georgia resident and have developed a qualifying disability before age 26. An authorized legal representative (ALR) can open an account for someone who cannot do so themselves[1].
Flexible Benefits Program: For Georgia public employees, this program includes disability insurance options for both short- and long-term disabilities, including depression. Benefits can replace up to 60% of your pay, with coverage periods that can last years, depending on the plan. You can choose waiting periods (7–30 days for short-term, 180 days for long-term). Premiums are waived while you receive benefits[5].
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts are available for Georgians with disabilities—including depression—if the disability began before age 26. You can save and invest without losing federal benefits. Up to $19,000 can be deposited per year, with possible extra contributions if you’re employed. Growth is tax-free, and contributions may be deductible on your Georgia state taxes. An authorized legal representative can open an account if needed[1].
For SSI, income and resource limits are strict and include wages, Social Security, and other support. In 2025, non-blind children cannot earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind) to qualify for SSI[4]. SSDI does not have income limits for eligibility, but benefit amounts depend on work history. Medicaid and waiver programs also have income and resource requirements. Always check with the Social Security Administration and Georgia agencies for the latest figures.
You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Georgia agencies to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in penalties and loss of benefits. Keep detailed records and follow up promptly on any agency requests. See our internal guide for more on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
If you want to work while receiving SSI or SSDI for depression, special rules and programs exist to help keep your benefits during your transition. These include Ticket to Work and other work incentives[4]. See our internal guide for details.
You can open a Georgia STABLE account at any time if you meet eligibility requirements. Contributing each year can help you build savings without losing federal benefits[1].
Check with the Department of Human Services about Medicaid waivers for mental health in Georgia. Waiver availability may change, and local advocacy is important for gaining access to extra services.
Yes, if your depression is severe and documented by a doctor, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. Georgia also offers STABLE (ABLE) accounts for eligible individuals, which let you save without losing federal benefits[1]. Georgia disability insurance for public employees may also cover mental health conditions[5].
SSI income limits are strict and change yearly. In 2025, children cannot earn more than $1,620/month if non-blind, or $2,700/month if blind, to qualify[4]. Adults have similar limits, and all resources are counted. Check with SSA for the latest information.
STABLE accounts let Georgians with disabilities save and invest without losing SSI or Medicaid. Up to $19,000 can be deposited each year, with possible extra if employed. Growth is tax-free, and Georgia may offer a tax deduction. You must have a qualifying disability before age 26[1].
Yes, but there are earnings limits for SSI and special rules for SSDI. Programs like Ticket to Work let you try working without immediately losing benefits. See our internal guide on SSI & SSDI work incentives.
Apply through the Georgia Gateway portal or your local Department of Human Services. If you have SSI, you may be automatically eligible. Some with mental health disabilities may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which offer extra services.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Program rules, benefits, and eligibility may change. Always consult official agency websites, representatives, or legal experts before making decisions about your benefits.
Medicaid Waivers: While Georgia Medicaid covers mental health care, some waivers (like NOW/COMP) may provide extra services for people with disabilities, including in-home care or community support. Availability of waivers for mental health is limited, and the application process is separate from SSI/SSDI. Check with the Department of Human Services for current options.
Disability Counseling and Advocacy: The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities provides resources and advocacy for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions, but does not directly administer federal or state benefits[3].
Education Rights: Children and students with disabilities, including depression, have protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. The Georgia Department of Education allocates federal funding for these programs, but local advocacy is important, especially during times of policy change[3].
State-specific information is limited; start here for official details and updates.
You have the right to appeal. Gather more medical evidence and consider legal help. You may appeal several times, and many are approved at later stages. Keep all paperwork and meet deadlines.
Yes, children with severe depression may qualify for SSI, Medicaid, and special education services under IDEA[4]. Georgia families can also use Georgia STABLE accounts to save for their child’s future[1].
Georgia offers Medicaid waivers, but availability for mental health is limited. Contact the Department of Human Services to check current options and eligibility.
Report all changes in income, resources, and living situation promptly to SSA and Georgia agencies. Keep records and respond to all agency requests. See our internal guide for more[4].
For SSI/SSDI, contact the Social Security Administration. For Medicaid and waivers, contact your local Department of Human Services. For STABLE accounts, visit Georgia STABLE[1]. Legal aid and advocacy groups may also help.
