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Georgia • Chronic Illness
People with kidney disease in Georgia can access health coverage, financial help, and work supports through federal and state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for Georgians with kidney disease.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with kidney disease, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, if you earn more than $1,620 a month (or $2,700 if blind), you generally cannot be considered disabled for SSI or SSDI purposes. Children with kidney disease may also qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low enough[6][9].
In Georgia, people with kidney disease may qualify for Medicaid based on disability status or income. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands income limits, which could help more people with disabilities get coverage, even if they don’t receive SSI. The waiver also includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available for people with disabilities. If you cannot meet the work requirement, Georgia will refer you to vocational rehabilitation programs. You may also qualify for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program if you are working or preparing for work and have a household income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level[1][3].
Georgia STABLE is an ABLE account program for Georgians with disabilities. If you developed a qualifying disability before age 26, you can open a STABLE account. You can save up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free, and your contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. You can keep your benefits while saving in a STABLE account[2].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. For Georgia Medicaid, the income limit is up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. For STABLE accounts, there is no income limit, but you must have a qualifying disability before age 26[2][3][6][9].
If your income, work, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes in a timely manner. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan[6][9].
Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services office or call 1-877-423-4746 for help with Medicaid or Georgia Pathways applications.
Open a STABLE account at GeorgiaSTABLE.com to save for disability-related expenses without losing your benefits.
Yes, if you meet the disability or income requirements. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands eligibility for people with disabilities, including those with kidney disease, based on income. You may also qualify for the Georgia Pathways to Coverage program if you are working or preparing for work[1][3].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income[6][9].
A STABLE account is a tax-free savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You must have a qualifying disability before age 26 to open an account[2].
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. If you earn more than $1,620 a month (or $2,700 if blind), you may not be considered disabled for SSI or SSDI. However, there are programs to help you keep benefits while working[6][9].
Georgia Pathways to Coverage is a program that gives low-income Georgians who are working or preparing for work and not eligible for Medicaid a new opportunity to gain access to healthcare coverage through Medicaid. You must have a household income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and do at least 80 hours of qualifying activities per month[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most up-to-date information and eligibility requirements.
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan[6][9].
Yes, Medicaid and Medicare can help pay for medical bills for people with kidney disease. You may also qualify for Medicare Savings Programs if you have low income[8][9].
SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits[8][9].
Yes, you can save money in a STABLE account without losing benefits. You can save up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for disability-related expenses[2].
If you cannot meet the work requirement, Georgia will refer you to vocational rehabilitation programs. You can then qualify for Medicaid if you meet the rehabilitation program’s requirements[1].
