Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in Georgia

To qualify for federal disability benefits with Multiple Sclerosis, you must meet Social Security’s 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. Children with MS may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. Federal rules apply to all states, including Georgia [5].

In Georgia, people with Multiple Sclerosis can qualify for Medicaid based on disability status or income. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands income limits, which may help more people with MS 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 work requirements, Georgia will refer you to vocational rehabilitation programs, which can help you qualify for Medicaid. State-specific rules may change, so check with Georgia Medicaid for updates [1].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI criteria for Multiple Sclerosis.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
• If eligible, apply for Georgia Medicaid or the new Medicaid waiver.
• Consider opening a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account for tax-free savings.
• Contact Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation if you need help with employment or Medicaid eligibility.

• Step 1: Gather medical records showing your Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office [5].
• Step 3: If approved for SSI or SSDI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. If not, apply for Georgia Medicaid or the new Medicaid waiver. You can apply online at gateway.ga.gov or by phone at 1-877-423-4746 [1].
• Step 4: If you want to save for disability-related expenses, open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account. You must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26. You can apply online at georgiastable.com [2].
• Step 5: If you need help with employment or meeting Medicaid work requirements, contact Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation at 1-800-282-4636 [1].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Multiple Sclerosis can qualify if it meets the medical criteria [5].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Multiple Sclerosis can qualify if it meets the medical criteria [5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities. If you get SSI or SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid [5].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [5].

• Georgia Medicaid Waiver: Expands Medicaid eligibility for people with disabilities, including those with Multiple Sclerosis. The waiver includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available. If you cannot meet work requirements, you may be referred to vocational rehabilitation programs [1].
• Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account: Lets Georgians with disabilities save up to $19,000 a year (plus more if employed) for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26 [2].
• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps people with disabilities find employment and may help with Medicaid eligibility if you cannot meet work requirements [1].
• State Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term disability insurance for state employees, which can replace up to 60% of pay if you are unable to work due to Multiple Sclerosis [6].

Georgia STABLE accounts let people with disabilities save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You can save up to $19,000 a year (plus up to $15,060 more if employed). The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. You must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26. If you cannot open an account yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative can do it for you [2].

For SSI in 2025, a child with Multiple Sclerosis must not earn more than $1,620 a month (or $2,700 if blind). For adults, the limits are similar. If your income or resources exceed the allowed amount, you may not qualify for SSI. Medicaid income limits vary by program and may be higher under Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver [5].

If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. For SSI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, report changes through your caseworker or online at gateway.ga.gov [5].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:30am–5:00pm ET

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with disability benefits.
• Georgia Medicaid
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  Hours: 8:00am–5:00pm ET

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and get help with coverage.
• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-800-282-4636

  Hours: 8:00am–5:00pm ET

  Website

  Get help with employment and Medicaid eligibility.

• Can I get SSI for Multiple Sclerosis in Georgia?

  Yes, if your Multiple Sclerosis meets Social Security’s disability criteria and you have limited income and resources. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office [5].

• Does Georgia have a Medicaid waiver for Multiple Sclerosis?

  Yes, Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands coverage for people with disabilities, including those with Multiple Sclerosis. The waiver includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available [1].

• How do I apply for a Georgia STABLE account?

  You can apply online at georgiastable.com if you developed a qualifying disability before age 26. If you cannot open an account yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative can do it for you [2].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Georgia?

  For 2025, a child with Multiple Sclerosis must not earn more than $1,620 a month (or $2,700 if blind). For adults, the limits are similar. Medicaid income limits vary by program [5].

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI in Georgia?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. If you cannot meet Medicaid work requirements, Georgia will refer you to vocational rehabilitation programs [1].

• What is a Georgia STABLE account?

  A Georgia STABLE account lets people with disabilities save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You can save up to $19,000 a year (plus more if employed) [2].