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Georgia • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Georgia, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with heart disease, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you need a work history and a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your condition must cause severe functional limitations. Heart disease is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 4.00 (Cardiovascular System). If your condition matches the listing or is equally severe, you may qualify. Children with heart disease may also qualify if their condition causes marked and severe limitations. All applicants must provide medical evidence from a doctor.
In Georgia, state disability benefits are available for public employees through the Flexible Benefits Program. If you work for the state or a public university, you may qualify for short- or long-term disability insurance. This covers up to 60% of your pay if you cannot work due to heart disease. There is no separate state-run disability program for private workers; most rely on federal SSDI or SSI.
Georgia also offers Medicaid for residents with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, medications, and related services. To qualify, you must be a Georgia resident, meet income limits, and have a qualifying disability. Heart disease may qualify if it causes severe functional limitations.
Step 1: Get Medical Documentation
Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 3: Apply for State Benefits
Step 4: Follow Up
Step 5: Report Changes
SSA: Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a work history and a qualifying disability. Payments are based on your earnings record.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and resources. Payments are based on financial need.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. Covers medical care, medications, and related services.
Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
SSA: Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05)
Medicaid.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)
Medicare.gov (accessed 2025-11-05)
Georgia State Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term disability coverage for public employees. Replaces up to 60% of pay, with rehab incentives and up to $25,000 for accommodations.
Medicaid in Georgia: Health coverage for low-income residents with disabilities. Includes services like doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Accounts: Tax-free savings accounts for Georgians with disabilities. Allows saving for qualified expenses without losing benefits.
Disability Benefits 101 (DB101): An upcoming online tool to help Georgians understand and apply for disability benefits.
Georgia Department of Administrative Services: Disability Insurance (accessed 2025-11-05)
University System of Georgia: Disability Coverage (accessed 2025-11-05)
Georgia STABLE: ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-05)
(accessed 2025-11-05)
Georgia STABLE offers ABLE accounts for Georgians with disabilities. These accounts let you save up to $19,000 per year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for qualified expenses. The money grows tax-free and may qualify for a state income tax deduction. You can use the funds for things like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. If you cannot open an account yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative can do it for you.
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind adults and $2,700 for blind adults. For children, the limits are the same. Medicaid income limits vary by household size and may be higher for those with disabilities. For state disability insurance, there is no income limit, but you must be a public employee.
You must report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work, living situation, or medical condition. Report changes to SSA online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can request a waiver if it was not your fault.
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocate for help with your application. Many organizations offer free assistance.
Yes, if your heart disease prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA criteria. You may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or Medicaid. Medical evidence is required.
Apply online at SSA.gov for SSDI or SSI. For Medicaid, apply at Gateway.GA.gov. Public employees should contact HR for state disability insurance.
For 2025, the SSI income limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind adults and $2,700 for blind adults. Medicaid limits vary by household size.
Yes, if your disability started before age 26. ABLE accounts let you save up to $19,000 per year tax-free for qualified expenses.
No, Georgia does not have a state disability program for private workers. Most rely on federal SSDI or SSI.
The process can take several months. SSA reviews your medical records and work history before making a decision.
Yes, if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. Apply for SSI or Medicaid for children.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current rules and eligibility.
Georgia Gateway: Apply for Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-05)
Georgia STABLE: Open an ABLE Account (accessed 2025-11-05)
Medicaid in Georgia (accessed 2025-11-05)
You need a doctor’s report, test results, hospital records, and a list of medications. The evidence must show how your heart disease limits your ability to work.
Yes, but there are limits. For SSI, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind). SSDI has work incentives.
You can appeal within 60 days. Gather more medical evidence and consider hiring a disability attorney.
