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Georgia • Mental Health
People in Georgia with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with PTSD, you must have a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider and show that your condition severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical evidence and ongoing review of your condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific criteria to determine if PTSD is disabling enough for benefits.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, use the SSI Income Estimator tool or consult with a benefits counselor.
In Georgia, people with PTSD may qualify for state-specific programs in addition to federal benefits. State employees can access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, which can replace up to 60% of your pay if you are unable to work due to PTSD. These plans are available to state employees and some university system employees.
Georgia also offers ABLE accounts (STABLE accounts) for people with disabilities, including PTSD, who became disabled before age 26. These accounts allow tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without affecting needs-based benefits like Medicaid or SSI.
Medicaid waivers, such as the Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and the Independent Care Waiver, may provide extra support for those with severe PTSD who need long-term care or community-based services. Eligibility for these waivers depends on income, assets, and the severity of your condition.
Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025 Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, 2025 Source: University System of Georgia, 2025
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025 Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, 2025 Source: University System of Georgia, 2025
These programs can help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support independence for people with PTSD.
Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025 Source: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, 2025 Source: University System of Georgia, 2025
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: Georgia STABLE, 2025
Contact your local Social Security office or a disability advocacy organization for free help with your application and appeals.
Yes, PTSD can qualify for disability benefits in Georgia if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. You must have a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider and meet the eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI, or other programs.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of diagnosis for PTSD.
An ABLE account (Georgia STABLE) allows people with disabilities, including PTSD, to save and invest money for disability-related expenses without affecting needs-based benefits. You must have become disabled before age 26 to qualify.
Yes, state employees in Georgia can access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. These plans can replace up to 60% of your pay if you are unable to work due to PTSD.
Georgia offers Medicaid waivers like the Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and the Independent Care Waiver for people with severe PTSD who need long-term care or community-based services. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and the severity of your condition.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Georgia. For specific advice, contact a benefits counselor or legal advocate.
For 2025, the monthly income limit for SSI is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSI.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits on how much you can earn. For SSI, earning more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) may affect your benefits.
If your benefits are denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact the Social Security Administration or the agency that denied your benefits for information on the appeals process.
You should report any changes in your condition or income to the Social Security Administration or Medicaid as soon as possible. This helps avoid overpayments and ensures you continue to receive the correct amount of benefits.
You can get help with your application from a benefits counselor, your local Social Security office, or a disability advocacy organization. Many organizations offer free assistance with applications and appeals.
