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Georgia • Rare/Genetic
People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Georgia may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, daily living expenses, and support independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome must cause marked and severe functional limitations. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. For SSDI, you must have a qualifying work history. Children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify if their condition meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability and their family’s income and resources are within limits. The monthly earnings limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620 in 2025, and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. If your child is in a medical facility and health insurance pays for care, the monthly SSI payment is limited to $30. These rules apply if your child lives at home or is away at school but returns home and is subject to your control[4].
In Georgia, eligibility for disability benefits depends on both federal criteria and state-specific programs. For SSI, you must meet federal income and resource limits. For Medicaid, you must meet both federal and state criteria, including income, resources, and disability status. Georgia offers ABLE accounts for residents who developed a qualifying disability before age 26. An Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) can open an account if the beneficiary cannot do so themselves. ALRs must be selected by the beneficiary, designated as Power of Attorney, Legal Guardian, Conservator, spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or representative payee. State employees may also qualify for short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, which can replace up to 60% of pay if unable to work due to disability[1][5].
Georgia STABLE offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities who developed a qualifying condition before age 26. These accounts allow tax-free savings for qualified disability-related expenses and investment without losing needs-based benefits. Accountholders can save up to $19,000 a year, and if employed, up to $15,060 more. Contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account if the beneficiary cannot do so themselves[1].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620, and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. If a child is in a medical facility and health insurance pays for care, the monthly SSI payment is limited to $30. These limits apply if the child lives at home or is away at school but returns home and is subject to your control[4].
It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment obligations and affect future benefits. For SSI, report changes promptly to the Social Security Administration. For Medicaid, report changes through Georgia Gateway. For ABLE accounts, report changes to Georgia STABLE[4].
Contact your local Social Security office, Georgia Gateway, or Georgia STABLE for assistance with your benefits application. Disability advocacy organizations can also provide support and guidance.
Yes, if Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome causes marked and severe functional limitations, it can qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet federal income and resource limits for SSI, and have a qualifying work history for SSDI[4].
An ABLE account allows tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits. In Georgia, residents with disabilities who developed a qualifying condition before age 26 can open an account through Georgia STABLE[1].
Apply for Medicaid in Georgia through Georgia Gateway online or by mail. You must meet federal and state criteria for income, resources, and disability status[6].
State employees in Georgia can access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. These plans can replace up to 60% of pay if unable to work due to disability[5].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620, and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. If a child is in a medical facility and health insurance pays for care, the monthly SSI payment is limited to $30[4].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation promptly to the Social Security Administration for SSI, through Georgia Gateway for Medicaid, and to Georgia STABLE for ABLE accounts to avoid overpayments[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Yes, an Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) can apply for benefits on your behalf. ALRs must be selected by the beneficiary, designated as Power of Attorney, Legal Guardian, Conservator, spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or representative payee[1].
SSI provides monthly payments to disabled adults and children with limited income and resources. SSDI provides monthly payments to disabled workers with a qualifying work history. Both programs have different eligibility criteria and benefit amounts[4].
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities in Georgia, including the ability to save and invest through ABLE accounts without losing benefits, and special rules for SSI and SSDI recipients who want to work[1].
You can get help with your benefits application from local Social Security offices, Georgia Gateway, Georgia STABLE, and disability advocacy organizations. These resources can provide guidance and support throughout the application process[1][4][6].
