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Georgia • Chronic Illness
If you have fibromyalgia in Georgia, you may be eligible for federal and state benefits, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and Georgia STABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, income limits, and where to get help.
Federal disability programs—Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—are available to people with fibromyalgia if their condition causes 'marked and severe functional limitations' and prevents substantial work. For SSI, income and resources are also considered. In 2025, children cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind); for adults, SSDI requires enough work credits and a severe impairment expected to last at least 12 months[4].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require medical evidence of disability and, for adults, proof you cannot do substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates fibromyalgia based on medical records, symptoms, and impact on daily life.
Georgia follows federal guidelines for SSI/SSDI but has state-specific options. Residents with disabilities may open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account if their disability began before age 26, allowing tax-free savings for disability expenses without losing needs-based benefits[1]. These accounts let you save up to $19,000/year and offer state income tax deductions on contributions[1].
Georgia’s Medicaid program covers people who receive SSI, but wider state Medicaid eligibility is not expanded under the Affordable Care Act. Special Medicaid waivers may offer additional services for chronic illness, but availability can be limited. State employees have access to short- and long-term disability insurance, which replaces up to 60% of pay for qualifying illnesses (including fibromyalgia for eligible employees)[2][5].
Start by checking your eligibility for SSI or SSDI with a benefits counselor or online SSI & SSDI estimator tool. Apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. If you have a chronic illness that began before age 26, contact Georgia STABLE to open an ABLE account[1]. For state employee benefits, ask your workplace HR about flexible benefits plans[2][5].
Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, work history, and financial information to support your fibromyalgia diagnosis and its impact on daily life and work. This will be needed for both federal and state applications.
Apply for SSI/SSDI: Complete the SSI and/or SSDI application on ssa.gov or by phone. Provide details about your diagnosis, treatments, doctors, and how fibromyalgia affects your ability to work[4].
Check Income Eligibility: For SSI, ensure your income stays below SSA’s limits—$1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals[4]. Family resources may also be counted for child applicants.
Explore Georgia STABLE (ABLE): If your disability started before age 26, visit the Georgia STABLE website to open an account for tax-free savings[1]. Authorized Legal Representatives can open accounts for those unable to do so themselves.
Contact Medicaid: If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. Otherwise, apply through Georgia Gateway. Consider Medicaid waivers for additional services.
State Employee Benefits: State employees should contact their HR department for enrollment in short- or long-term disability insurance plans, which can replace up to 60% of pay for qualifying disabilities, including fibromyalgia[2][5].
Monitor Application Status: Follow up regularly and respond quickly to any requests for more information from SSA or state agencies to avoid delays.
The main federal programs are SSI and SSDI. SSI provides cash assistance to low-income children and adults with disabilities, including fibromyalgia, who meet income and asset limits[4]. SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history and disability. Medicaid (if eligible) covers healthcare and, in some cases, long-term supports. Medicare may be available after 24 months of SSDI.
Georgia offers state-level supports for people with disabilities:
State-specific guidance and tools are limited, so start with the Georgia STABLE portal and Georgia Department of Human Services for the latest information.
Georgia STABLE is the state’s ABLE account program. It lets people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save and invest up to $19,000 per year for qualified expenses without losing Medicaid or SSI benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and Georgia offers a state income tax deduction for contributions. Authorized Legal Representatives can manage these accounts for those unable to do so themselves[1].
For SSI in 2025, non-blind children and adults with fibromyalgia cannot earn more than $1,620/month[4]. SSI also counts most income and resources, including those of family members in the same household. For SSDI, there are no income limits after approval, but you must have enough work credits. Georgia STABLE accounts do not have income limits, but annual contribution limits apply[1].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or work status to SSA and Georgia Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back.
Open a Georgia STABLE account to save for disability expenses, invest, and keep your SSI/Medicaid benefits. Earnings are tax-free, and contributions may be state tax-deductible. If your disability began before age 26, you qualify—even if you have fibromyalgia or another chronic illness[1].
Georgia state employees can enroll in short- and long-term disability insurance that replaces up to 60% of pay for qualifying disabilities, including fibromyalgia. Premiums are waived while on claim, and coverage includes incentives for rehabilitation and accommodations[2][5].
For SSI, earnings over $1,620/month (2025) usually disqualify you. SSDI has a trial work period. Georgia STABLE accounts encourage saving while receiving benefits[1][4].
Medicaid covers medically necessary services. If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify. Others must meet strict income and asset limits.
Yes, if your disability—including fibromyalgia or another chronic illness—started before age 26[1].
SSI is needs-based, for low-income people with disabilities. SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both need medical proof that fibromyalgia limits your ability to work.
Apply online at ssa.gov or call SSA. Gather medical records and details about your work history. A benefits counselor can help you through the process.
Home- and community-based waivers exist but are limited and target specific groups. Check with Georgia’s Department of Community Health for current options.
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for general guidance only. Eligibility and program details may change. Always verify with the official agency, as personal circumstances vary.
State employees can enroll in short- and long-term disability insurance, covering up to 60% of pay for qualifying disabilities, including fibromyalgia[2][5].
No, ABLE accounts are designed to let you save without losing federal needs-based benefits.
Report changes promptly to SSA and Georgia Medicaid to prevent overpayments or loss of benefits.
You can appeal. Seek help from a Social Security Disability advocate or lawyer and gather additional medical evidence.
