Georgia offers federal and state benefits for people with intellectual disability, including SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and financial planning—helping individuals and families access support without losing vital benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition—like intellectual disability—that causes “marked and severe functional limitations.” For SSI, these limitations must have started before age 22 for adults and be present in children. Income and resources are also considered: in 2025, children’s monthly earnings over $1,620 (non-blind) can affect eligibility. SSI rules also look at family income if the child lives at home. If you’re applying for SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs require medical documentation and proof of disability. Changes in income, living situation, or work status must be reported to avoid overpayments[4].
Georgia’s Medicaid waivers, such as the New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP), serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eligibility is based on age, diagnosis, level of care needs, and income—often with higher limits than regular Medicaid. There may be waiting lists. For Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts, any Georgia resident with a qualifying disability that began before age 26 is eligible, including intellectual disability. An authorized representative can open the account if the individual cannot. Georgia STABLE lets you save up to $19,000 yearly (plus another $15,060 if employed) without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[1]. State-specific program details and application steps are managed by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH).
Start by gathering medical records, proof of Georgia residency, and financial documents. Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local DBHDD office or apply through Georgia Gateway. To open a Georgia STABLE account, visit GeorgiaSTABLE.com. Consider working with a benefits counselor or disability advocate for help[1].
To apply for SSI or SSDI, collect medical evidence such as doctor’s reports, school records, and any past evaluations. Complete the online application at ssa.gov. After submitting, you may be contacted for more information or a medical exam. Check your mail and online account for updates. Appeals are possible if denied. For Georgia Medicaid waivers, call your local DBHDD office or visit Georgia Gateway to start an application. Waiver programs may have waiting lists, so apply early and ask about interim services. Gather proof of income, residency, and disability. For Georgia STABLE accounts, go to GeorgiaSTABLE.com, choose an account type, and follow the prompts—an authorized representative can assist. For all programs, keep copies of all documents and track application status. Update your contact and income information promptly to avoid delays or overpayments. For personalized help, contact Georgia’s Disability Benefits 101 (launching late 2025) or a local advocacy organization[1][3].
The main federal benefits are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI provides monthly payments to low-income individuals with disabilities, including children and adults with intellectual disability. SSDI is for people with a work history. Both require medical proof of disability. Medicare provides health coverage after 24 months of SSDI benefits. Medicaid covers health services for eligible low-income individuals, including some waiver programs for home and community-based services[4].
Georgia’s Medicaid waivers—such as NOW and COMP—help people with intellectual disability live at home or in the community by funding services like personal care, respite, and supported employment. These waivers have income limits higher than regular Medicaid but may have waiting lists. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) manages waiver eligibility and services. Georgia STABLE accounts, the state’s ABLE program, allow tax-free savings for qualified disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Any Georgia resident with a disability onset before age 26 can open an account. Families and individuals should also explore short-term and long-term disability insurance through employers, though these are not specific to intellectual disability[1]. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities offers advocacy and updates on state policies affecting people with disabilities[3].
Georgia STABLE accounts let you save and invest up to $19,000 per year (plus an extra $15,060 if employed) for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other needs-based benefits. Growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. Contributions may qualify for a state tax deduction. Authorized representatives can open and manage accounts for those who need assistance[1].
For SSI in 2025, children with intellectual disability cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (non-blind). Family income and resources are also considered if the child lives at home. Medicaid waiver programs have higher income limits than regular Medicaid, but exact amounts depend on the specific waiver. Always report income changes to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits[4].
If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and Georgia Medicaid. Failing to do so can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Keep records of all changes and correspondence. For help managing benefits and avoiding mistakes, see our guide on avoiding overpayments[4].
Georgia STABLE accounts allow you to save for disability-related expenses—like education, housing, and healthcare—without risking your SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can save up to $19,000 per year (more if you work), and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free[1].
Georgia’s policies and funding for disability services can change. Stay informed through the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and local advocacy groups. Proactive families often get better results[3].
SSI is for low-income individuals with limited work history, while SSDI requires enough work credits. Both provide monthly payments but have different eligibility rules. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
Yes, Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts let you save up to $19,000 a year for disability expenses without affecting eligibility for these benefits. Growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free[1].
Yes, some waivers like NOW and COMP have waiting lists. Apply as early as possible and ask about interim services.
Collect medical records, psychological evaluations, school IEPs, and doctor’s statements. These documents must show “marked and severe functional limitations.”
Notify Social Security immediately. Earning over $1,620/month (2025) may affect eligibility. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments[4].
Yes, an Authorized Legal Representative (like a parent or guardian) can open and manage the account for you[1].
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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Waivers may cover personal care, respite, supported employment, therapies, and more, depending on the specific program.
Contact your local DBHDD office, Georgia STABLE, or a disability advocate. Georgia’s Disability Benefits 101 tool (coming late 2025) will offer online help[3].
Yes, but income limits apply. Work incentives and special rules may help you keep some benefits while working. See our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide.
The Council provides advocacy, information, and updates on policies affecting people with disabilities in Georgia[3].
