Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Benefits in Georgia

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis can qualify if it causes severe functional limitations and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis may also qualify if their condition meets the criteria for marked and severe functional limitations. The Social Security Administration reviews medical records and work history to determine eligibility.

For 2025, SSI considers a child to be doing substantial work if their monthly earnings are over $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries ($2,700 if blind). Adults must not earn more than these amounts to qualify for SSI. SSDI has different work credit requirements based on age.

[Source: Social Security Administration, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05)

In Georgia, eligibility for state-specific disability benefits often depends on federal qualification. For example, qualifying for SSI may make you eligible for Georgia Medicaid and certain Medicaid waivers. State employees may access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. To open a STABLE (ABLE) account in Georgia, you must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26 and be a Georgia resident. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account on behalf of someone who cannot do so themselves.

Georgia also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide support for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis who need help with daily living activities. These waivers have specific eligibility criteria, including functional limitations and financial need.

[Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025](https://www.georgiastable.com, accessed 2025-11-05) [Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, 2025](https://doas.ga.gov/human-resources-administration/disability-insurance, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI on the Social Security website.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Georgia Department of Human Services.
• For a STABLE account, visit the Georgia STABLE website and follow the application steps.
• State employees should contact their HR office for disability insurance enrollment.

[Source: Social Security Administration, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05) [Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025](https://www.georgiastable.com, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements for SSI/SSDI on the Social Security Administration website. Make sure you meet the medical and financial criteria.
• Step 2: Gather all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and work history.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at the Social Security website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The application will ask for detailed information about your condition and finances.
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Georgia Medicaid. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Georgia Department of Human Services. They will guide you through the application process and help determine which waiver you qualify for.
• Step 5: To open a STABLE account, visit the Georgia STABLE website. Complete the application, providing proof of disability and residency. If you cannot apply yourself, an Authorized Legal Representative can do so on your behalf.
• Step 6: State employees should contact their HR office to enroll in short- or long-term disability insurance. Enrollment is typically available when you first become eligible or during Open Enrollment periods.
• Step 7: Keep all records and report any changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.

[Source: Social Security Administration, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05) [Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025](https://www.georgiastable.com, accessed 2025-11-05) [Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, 2025](https://doas.ga.gov/human-resources-administration/disability-insurance, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides benefits to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those who receive SSI.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months.

[Source: Social Security Administration, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Georgia Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. These waivers can cover personal care, respite care, and other supports.
• Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Accounts: Allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses. Accountholders can save up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) without losing needs-based benefits.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Available to state employees through the Flexible Benefits Program. Short-term disability can replace up to 60% of pay for up to 173 days. Long-term disability can replace up to 60% of pay for an extended period, up to $10,000/month.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Additional coverage options for state employees, providing cash benefits for specific illnesses or injuries.

[Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025](https://www.georgiastable.com, accessed 2025-11-05) [Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, 2025](https://doas.ga.gov/human-resources-administration/disability-insurance, accessed 2025-11-05) [Source: University System of Georgia, 2025](https://benefits.usg.edu/money-and-financial-protection/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Georgia STABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save and invest up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more) for qualified expenses.
• Account growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction.
• To open an account, you must have developed a qualifying disability before age 26 and be a Georgia resident.
• An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account on behalf of someone who cannot do so themselves.

[Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025](https://www.georgiastable.com, accessed 2025-11-05)

• For SSI in 2025, the monthly earnings limit is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries ($2,700 if blind).
• The monthly SSI payment is limited to $30 when children are in a medical facility and health insurance pays for their care.
• For SSDI, there are no strict income limits, but you must not be doing substantial work.
• Medicaid and Medicaid waivers have their own income and resource limits, which vary by program.

[Source: Social Security Administration, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05)

• It is important to report any changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits.
• Keep all records and report changes promptly to the relevant agency.
• For SSI/SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• For Medicaid and Medicaid waivers, report changes to your local Area Agency on Aging or the Georgia Department of Human Services.

[Source: Social Security Administration, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05)

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Georgia Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid and Medicaid waiver questions.
• Georgia STABLE
  Phone: 1-800-223-1200

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  Website

  For STABLE (ABLE) account questions.

• What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis?

  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a chronic illness that causes severe fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. It can limit a person's ability to work and perform daily activities. The condition must be documented by a doctor to qualify for disability benefits.

• How do I know if I qualify for SSI/SSDI in Georgia?

  To qualify for SSI, your income and resources must be limited. For SSDI, you need a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. Your medical condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. Contact Social Security for a detailed review.

• What are Medicaid waivers in Georgia?

  Medicaid waivers in Georgia provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can cover personal care, respite care, and other supports. Eligibility depends on functional limitations and financial need.

• Can I save money without losing benefits?

  Yes, you can save money in a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account without losing needs-based benefits. These accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses, up to $19,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,060 more).

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now disabled. Both programs have different eligibility requirements and benefit amounts.

• How do I apply for a STABLE account in Georgia?