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Georgia • Physical/Mobility
People with mobility impairment in Georgia can access health care, financial support, and work incentives through federal and state programs. Key options include Medicaid, SSI, ABLE accounts, and state disability insurance. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and important resources.
People with mobility impairment may qualify for federal benefits if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough work credits. Both programs require medical proof of disability. SSI is for those with low income, while SSDI is for those who paid into Social Security. Children with disabilities may also qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits [4].
In Georgia, people with mobility impairment can qualify for Medicaid based on income or disability status. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands income limits, which helps more people with disabilities qualify, even if they don’t receive SSI. The waiver also includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available for people with disabilities. Vocational rehabilitation programs can help those who cannot meet work requirements. Georgia also offers STABLE (ABLE) accounts for tax-free savings on disability-related expenses, available to residents who developed a disability before age 26 [1][2].
Georgia STABLE accounts let people with disabilities save and invest up to $19,000 per year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. Anyone who developed a qualifying disability before age 26 can open an account. If you can’t open an account yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative (ALR) can do it for you [2].
For SSI in 2025, a child’s monthly earnings must be $1,620 or less ($2,700 if blind). For adults, the limits are similar. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Georgia’s Medicaid waiver expands income limits for people with disabilities, helping more people qualify even if they don’t receive SSI [1][4].
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and benefit letters [4].
Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office or Georgia’s Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for help with Medicaid, SSI, and other benefit applications.
Yes, Georgia’s Medicaid waiver expands income limits, so more people with disabilities can qualify even if they don’t receive SSI. You’ll need to apply through Georgia Gateway or your local DFCS office and provide proof of disability and income [1].
A STABLE account lets Georgians with disabilities save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Anyone who developed a qualifying disability before age 26 can open one. If you can’t open an account yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative can do it for you [2].
Georgia’s Medicaid waiver expands income limits, helping more people with disabilities qualify for Medicaid. The waiver includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available for people with disabilities. Vocational rehabilitation programs can help those who can’t meet work requirements [1].
Yes, you can work and still get SSI or Medicaid, but there are income limits. For SSI in 2025, a child’s monthly earnings must be $1,620 or less ($2,700 if blind). Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Georgia’s Medicaid waiver expands income limits for people with disabilities [1][4].
State employees and university staff in Georgia can get short- and long-term disability insurance. Short-term covers up to 60% of pay for up to 173 days. Long-term covers up to 60% of pay for the full duration of disability, up to Social Security Normal Retirement Age [3][5][6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at the Social Security Administration website, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records, proof of income, and other documents. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to see if you qualify [4].
Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. In Georgia, it can help you meet Medicaid work requirements and maintain eligibility. The program offers job training, counseling, and support services [1].
Yes, you can save money without losing benefits by opening a STABLE (ABLE) account. These accounts let you save and invest for disability-related expenses without affecting your eligibility for needs-based programs [2].
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefit programs as soon as possible [4].
You can get help from your local DFCS office, Social Security office, or Georgia’s Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. These agencies can help you apply for Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and other programs [1][4][5].
