People with epilepsy in Georgia can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, a person with epilepsy must have a medical condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations. For SSI, income and resources must be limited. For SSDI, the person must have a qualifying work history. Children with epilepsy may qualify if their condition meets Social Security’s disability criteria and their family’s income is within limits. SSI considers both the child’s and family’s income and resources if the child lives at home. The monthly earnings limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620 in 2025, and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. These limits are updated yearly. [^1]
If epilepsy prevents substantial work, the person may qualify for SSDI. SSDI does not have strict income limits but requires a certain number of work credits. Both programs require medical documentation showing how epilepsy affects daily activities and work. [^1]
In Georgia, people with epilepsy may qualify for Medicaid waivers, such as the NOW/COMP waiver, which provides home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities. Eligibility for these waivers depends on the severity of the disability and financial need. Georgia also offers the STABLE ABLE account program, which allows Georgians with epilepsy who developed the condition before age 26 to save and invest up to $19,000 per year without losing needs-based benefits. If someone cannot manage their own account, an Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) can open and manage it. [^2]
State employees with epilepsy may be eligible for short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, which can replace up to 60% of pay if they are unable to work due to disability. [^3] Families should also monitor education funding and advocacy resources, as changes in federal policy may affect special education programs in Georgia. [^4]
Collect Documentation: Get medical records, school reports, and any other evidence showing how epilepsy limits daily activities and work.
Apply for SSI/SSDI: Visit ssa.gov to apply online, or call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. You’ll need to provide personal information, work history, and medical evidence. [^1]
Apply for Medicaid Waivers: Contact the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to learn about waiver programs like NOW/COMP. You may need to complete an application and provide financial and medical information. [^5]
Open a STABLE ABLE Account: Go to georgiastable.com and follow the steps to open an account. You’ll need to provide proof of disability and residency. If you can’t manage the account yourself, an ALR can do it for you. [^2]
Apply for Disability Insurance (State Employees): If you’re a state employee, contact your HR department to apply for short- or long-term disability insurance. You may need to provide medical documentation and complete forms. [^3]
Monitor Education Funding: Families of children with epilepsy should stay informed about changes in special education funding and advocacy resources through the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. [^4]
Federal programs for people with epilepsy in Georgia include:
State programs for people with epilepsy in Georgia include:
Georgia’s STABLE ABLE account program lets people with epilepsy who developed the condition before age 26 save and invest up to $19,000 per year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. If someone cannot manage their own account, an Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) can open and manage it. [^2]
For SSI in 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620, and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. These limits are updated yearly. SSI also considers the income and resources of certain family members living in the child’s household if the child lives at home. [^1]
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or reduced future benefits. Always report changes in employment, living situation, or other factors that affect eligibility. [^7]
Contact your local Social Security office or the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for help with applications.
Yes, if epilepsy causes marked and severe functional limitations and meets Social Security’s disability criteria. Income and resource limits also apply. Medical documentation is required to prove how epilepsy affects daily life.
A STABLE ABLE account lets Georgians with epilepsy who developed the condition before age 26 save and invest without losing needs-based benefits. An Authorized Legal Representative can open it for someone who cannot manage it themselves.
Yes, Georgia offers Medicaid waivers like NOW/COMP for people with developmental disabilities, including epilepsy. Eligibility depends on the severity of the disability and financial need.
State employees should contact their HR department to apply for short- or long-term disability insurance. Medical documentation and completed forms are usually required.
The monthly earnings limit for non-blind SSI beneficiaries is $1,620, and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. These limits are updated yearly. SSI also considers family income if the child lives at home.
Yes, but there are limits. SSI has strict income limits, while SSDI allows some work. Both programs have work incentives to help people transition back to work.
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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You must report changes in income to Social Security to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or reduced future benefits.
Yes, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities provides advocacy and resources for families of children with epilepsy. Families should also monitor education funding and advocacy resources.
Yes, if you meet income and resource limits. Medicaid provides health coverage to people with disabilities, including epilepsy.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history. Both require medical documentation showing how epilepsy affects daily life.
