People who are hard of hearing in Georgia may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and workplace accommodations. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a hearing loss that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For adults, this means your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent you from working at a substantial level. For children, the hearing loss must cause marked and severe functional limitations. Income and resource limits apply, especially for SSI. You must also be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet work history requirements for SSDI.
For 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620. If you are blind, the limit is $2,700. These amounts change each year.
Source: Social Security Administration, 2025
If you are hard of hearing, you may also qualify for work incentives and support services through Social Security.
Learn about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives
In Georgia, eligibility for disability benefits depends on your age, income, resources, and the severity of your hearing loss. For SSI, you must meet federal disability and financial criteria. For Medicaid, you must meet both disability and income/resource requirements. Georgia also offers ABLE accounts (STABLE accounts) for residents with disabilities that began before age 26. These accounts let you save and invest without losing needs-based benefits.
Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services
Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes
Social Security Disability Application
Georgia STABLE Account Application
University System of Georgia Disability Insurance
Georgia Department of Administrative Services Disability Insurance
Learn about Medicaid vs Medicare
Learn about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives
Georgia Department of Administrative Services Disability Insurance
University System of Georgia Disability Insurance
Social Security Administration, 2025
Learn about SSI Income Estimator
Contact your local Social Security office, Medicaid office, or a disability advocacy organization for help with your application.
Open a STABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits.
People who are hard of hearing in Georgia may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash benefits. Medicaid covers hearing aids and related services. Medicare provides health insurance after a waiting period.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at the Social Security website, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
A STABLE account is a tax-free savings account for Georgians with disabilities. You are eligible if you developed a qualifying disability before age 26. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account if needed.
Yes, Georgia Medicaid covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible children and adults who are hard of hearing or deaf.
For 2025, the monthly earnings limit for non-blind SSI beneficiaries is $1,620. For blind beneficiaries, it is $2,700. These amounts change each year.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. Social Security offers work incentives to help you keep benefits while you work. There are limits on how much you can earn.
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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SSI is based on financial need and disability. SSDI is based on work history and disability. SSI has strict income and resource limits. SSDI does not have strict income limits but requires enough work credits.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
Yes, state employees and university staff in Georgia can get short- and long-term disability insurance. Benefits can replace up to 60% of pay if you are unable to work due to disability.
You can get help from Social Security, Medicaid, Georgia STABLE, your employer’s HR office, or disability advocacy organizations.
