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Georgia • Chronic Illness
Georgia offers federal and state programs to help people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. You may qualify for SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and state-specific insurance options. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key steps to get the support you need.
To qualify for federal benefits like SSI, your diabetes must cause ‘marked and severe functional limitations’—meaning it significantly limits your ability to function like other children or adults your age. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. In 2025, non-blind children can earn no more than $1,620 a month; adults have similar income and resource limits. SSDI is based on work credits, not just disability[4][6].
Medicaid eligibility often depends on income, but if you receive SSI, you usually qualify for Medicaid automatically. If you don’t qualify for SSI, other Medicaid pathways may be available. ABLE accounts are open to people whose disability began before age 26, regardless of age when they apply[1].
Georgia does not have a specific disability benefit program only for diabetes. However, you may qualify for: Georgia Medicaid (including waivers for home and community-based services), Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts for tax-free savings, and state employee disability insurance. For Medicaid, Georgia follows federal income and asset rules, but waivers may offer extra support if you meet nursing home level of care. Georgia’s STABLE account is available to any resident whose disability began before age 26, and you can save up to $19,000 a year (more if employed)[1].
State employees can choose short- or long-term disability insurance, covering up to 60% of pay if unable to work due to illness or injury[2][5]. Georgia also plans to launch a Disability Benefits 101 tool to help you compare options[3]. Children and adults with diabetes must meet the same SSI/Medicaid rules as others with chronic illnesses.
If you think you may qualify, start with these steps:
1. Confirm Eligibility Review the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability, income, and resources. Diabetes must cause severe functional limitations. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify[4].
2. Gather Documents Collect medical records, proof of income, and resources (bank statements, property, etc.). You’ll need these for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid.
3. Apply for SSI/SSDI Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. The process can take several months. If denied, appeal quickly—most people win at the hearing level.
4. Apply for Georgia Medicaid Go to gateway.ga.gov or visit your local DFCS office. If you get SSI, you’re usually automatically eligible. For waiver programs (like HCBS), ask DFCS about available slots and waiting lists.
5. Open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account Visit georgiastable.com. You can contribute up to $19,000 a year. Growth is tax-free, and it won’t affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility[1].
6. Explore State Employee Benefits If you work for the state, review disability insurance options during open enrollment. Premiums may be waived during benefit periods[2][5].
7. Report Changes Notify SSA and DFCS of any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to disabled children and adults with limited income and resources. You must meet strict disability and financial requirements[4][6].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits if you have a work history and paid Social Security taxes. Diabetes must prevent you from working[4].
Medicare: Available to people who have received SSDI for 24 months or who are 65+. Covers hospital, doctor, and prescription drug costs.
Medicaid: If you receive SSI, you usually qualify. Medicaid can cover doctor visits, medications, insulin, and supplies. In some cases, Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may pay for home care or community services.
Georgia Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, prescription drugs (including insulin and supplies), hospital care, and more. Some people with diabetes may qualify for home and community-based waiver services, depending on their level of need. Apply through gateway.ga.gov or your local DFCS office.
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account: Lets you save and invest for disability expenses without losing benefits. Open an account at georgiastable.com if your disability began before age 26[1]. Contributions up to $19,000/year are allowed.
State Employee Disability Insurance: State of Georgia employees can enroll in short- or long-term disability insurance. These plans replace a portion of your pay if you can’t work due to illness or injury, including diabetes[2][5].
Parent to Parent of Georgia: Offers information and support for families of people with disabilities, including diabetes[6].
Disability Benefits 101 (Coming Soon): Georgia will launch an online tool to help you compare benefits and work incentives[3].
A Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities that began before age 26. You can save up to $19,000 per year (more if employed). Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses (including medical costs and daily living) are not taxed. ABLE accounts do not count as resources for most means-tested benefits[1].
For SSI in 2025, a non-blind child cannot earn more than $1,620/month. Adult rules are similar. Georgia Medicaid follows federal income limits. For state employee disability, benefits are based on a percentage of your pay (e.g., up to 60% for short- and long-term disability)[2][4]. ABLE accounts have their own annual contribution limits and do not affect SSI resource limits up to $100,000[1].
Always report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and DFCS. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you must repay. If you get an overpayment notice, review it carefully, and contact the agency right away to discuss repayment options. Keep records of all reports and correspondence.
Georgia is launching an online Disability Benefits 101 tool in late 2025 to help you compare benefits, work incentives, and eligibility across federal and state programs—direct, clear, and personalized. Watch for updates from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities[3].
Yes, if your earnings are under the SSI limit ($1,620/month for non-blind individuals in 2025). Medicaid also has income limits. Georgia has work incentives—ask SSA or DFCS how working affects your benefits.
Visit georgiastable.com. If you became disabled before age 26, you’re eligible. Anyone can contribute, but only qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
SSI is based on need and limited income/resources. SSDI is based on work credits. Both require that diabetes severely limits your ability to work or function.
No, STABLE accounts under $100,000 do not count toward Medicaid resource limits.
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at your local SSA office. Gather medical records and proof of income/resources.
Medicaid waivers help with home and community-based care. Ask your local DFCS office which waivers may apply.
Enroll in disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. These plans replace up to 60% of pay if you can’t work.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of disability benefits in Georgia for people with diabetes. Eligibility, benefit amounts, and application processes may change. Always confirm details with the official agencies listed. This is not legal or medical advice.
Yes, call SSA, visit your local DFCS office, or contact organizations like Parent to Parent of Georgia for help.
Review the notice carefully, contact the agency (SSA or DFCS), and keep records. You may appeal or set up a repayment plan.
Georgia’s Disability Benefits 101 tool (coming soon) will help you compare benefits and work incentives[3].
