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Georgia • Mental Health
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Georgia may qualify for federal and state benefits, including health coverage, cash assistance, ABLE savings accounts, and workplace accommodations. Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver and programs like SSI, SSDI, and Georgia STABLE can help you get care, save money, and protect your independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, you must prove your condition causes ‘marked and severe functional limitations’ that prevent you from working. For SSI, income and resource limits apply in 2025—individuals must earn less than $1,620/month (non-blind), and household resources are also counted. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes[5][7]. Applying through the Social Security Administration is required for both programs.
Georgia’s Medicaid waiver creates a new pathway to health coverage for people with disabilities, even if you do not qualify for SSI. New income limits mean more people with mental health disabilities can get covered. If you can’t meet work requirements, Georgia offers reasonable accommodations and referrals to state vocational rehab programs—completing these can help you keep Medicaid. For Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts, you must be a Georgia resident and have a qualifying disability onset before age 26[1][2]. Always check with Georgia Medicaid and Georgia STABLE for the latest rules and application steps.
1. Start with SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Gather medical records and proof of income. 2. Apply for Georgia Medicaid: Visit Georgia Gateway or your local DFCS office. 3. Open a Georgia STABLE account: Go to georgiastable.com if eligible. 4. Contact vocational rehab: Ask about accommodations and job support. 5. Report changes: Update Georgia Medicaid and SSA if your income, work, or living situation changes.
Step 1: Apply for SSI/SSDI
Step 2: Apply for Georgia Medicaid
Step 3: Open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account
Step 4: Connect with Vocational Rehabilitation
Step 5: Report Changes and Avoid Overpayments
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal cash benefit for people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. You must have a qualifying disability and meet strict income limits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a sufficient work history, regardless of current income. Both are administered by the Social Security Administration and require medical proof of disability[5][7]. Medicaid and Medicare: People receiving SSI in Georgia usually get Medicaid automatically. Those on SSDI for 24 months qualify for Medicare.
Georgia Medicaid: Coverage for low-income individuals, including those with mental health disabilities like OCD. A new state waiver lets some people qualify based on income, not just SSI status. Check Georgia Gateway for the latest rules. Georgia STABLE (ABLE): A savings and investment account for qualified disability expenses, with tax advantages and protection from benefit loss[1][2]. Vocational Rehabilitation: Free job training, placement, and accommodations for people with disabilities. State Disability Insurance: Offered to some employees through the Flexible Benefits Program, replacing up to 60% of pay during short- or long-term disability[3][6]. *State-specific information is limited; start here: Georgia Gateway, Georgia STABLE, and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.
Georgia STABLE accounts let you save 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. Earnings grow tax-free, and Georgia offers a state income tax deduction for contributions[2]. Open your account at georgiastable.com. An authorized representative can help if needed.
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals ($2,700 if blind). Family income and resources are also counted. Medicaid in Georgia has its own income limits, which are higher under recent waivers—check Georgia Gateway for current amounts. ABLE account contributions do not count against SSI resource limits[2][5].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or work status to SSA and Georgia Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Use Georgia Gateway or visit your local office to update your information. Learn about work incentives and protected savings in our guides on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes and SSI & SSDI Work Incentives.
You can open a Georgia STABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses—up to $19,000/year, plus $15,060 more if you work. Earnings grow tax-free, and savings don’t count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits. Apply at georgiastable.com if your disability started before age 26[2].
If you can’t meet Medicaid work requirements due to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ask for reasonable accommodations—such as adjusted hours or help with paperwork. Georgia will refer you to vocational rehab programs, which may allow you to keep Medicaid coverage[1].
Yes, Georgia’s Medicaid waiver may allow you to qualify based on income, even without SSI. Check Georgia Gateway or contact your local DFCS office to see if you meet the new eligibility rules[1].
Gather medical records and proof of income, then apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You must show your condition severely limits your ability to work[5][7].
A Georgia STABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for disability expenses. Georgia residents with a qualifying disability onset before age 26 can open one online at georgiastable.com[2].
Some Georgia Medicaid programs have work requirements, but people with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations or complete a vocational rehab program to maintain coverage[1].
You must report any income changes to SSA and Georgia Medicaid. Not reporting can result in overpayments, which you might have to repay. Use Georgia Gateway or your local office to update your information.
You can save up to $19,000 per year in a Georgia STABLE account. If you’re employed, you can save an additional $15,060 per year. These savings do not count against SSI resource limits if used for qualified expenses[2].
Disclaimer: Information is current as of November 2025 and is for general guidance only. Benefits rules can change; always check official sources for updates.
Yes, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency offers job training, placement, and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities[1].
Contact your local DFCS office, Georgia STABLE, or a nonprofit like Parent to Parent of Georgia for application help and advocacy support.
No, you don’t have to pay back past Medicaid or SSI benefits if you no longer qualify due to improved condition, but you must report changes to avoid owing money for benefits received after you become ineligible.
Check Georgia Gateway, Georgia STABLE, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, and the Georgia Department of Human Services for the latest information and updates.
