If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis in Georgia, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and Georgia ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and Georgia-specific programs for managing your condition and finances.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI with Rheumatoid Arthritis, you must meet strict medical criteria and have limited income and resources. SSI is for those with very low income and assets, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. For SSI, in 2025, your monthly earnings must stay below $1,620 if you’re not blind ($2,700 if blind). Your condition must cause "marked and severe functional limitations" that are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[5]. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits. Both programs require ongoing documentation of your disability. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for more.
Georgia has a Medicaid waiver program that may help more people with physical disabilities like Rheumatoid Arthritis qualify for coverage, especially if they don’t meet traditional Medicaid or SSI criteria[1]. This waiver expands income limits and may require meeting certain work or training requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available. If your Rheumatoid Arthritis prevents you from meeting work requirements, Georgia can refer you to vocational rehabilitation programs. Nearly half of Georgians with disabilities on Medicaid qualify based on income alone, not SSI[1]. Georgia state employees can access short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program, which replaces up to 60% of pay if you can’t work due to illness or injury, including qualifying disabilities[3][6]. Always check for updates, as Georgia is launching Disability Benefits 101, a new online tool to help you understand your options[4].
Start your application for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. For Georgia Medicaid, apply online at gateway.ga.gov, by phone, or in person. If you’re a state employee, review your Flexible Benefits options on GaBreeze or contact your HR office. For Georgia STABLE (ABLE) accounts, sign up at georgiastable.com. Always gather your medical records, proof of income, and ID before you apply.
Applying for Federal Benefits (SSI/SSDI)
Applying for Georgia Medicaid
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account
State Employee Disability Insurance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the main federal benefits for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. SSI provides monthly payments to those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a work history who have paid into Social Security. Both require that your condition severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Learn more in our SSI vs SSDI guide.
Medicaid and Medicare may also be available depending on your situation. Medicare is generally for those over 65 or who have received SSDI for two years. Medicaid is for low-income individuals, and some people with disabilities may qualify even if they don’t meet income limits through special waivers. Compare these programs in our Medicaid vs Medicare guide.
Georgia Medicaid Waivers may help you qualify for health coverage if your Rheumatoid Arthritis limits your ability to work, even if you don’t meet traditional Medicaid or SSI criteria. The state’s Pathways to Coverage waiver expands eligibility for adults with disabilities, including those with physical/mobility conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available if you can’t meet work requirements—Georgia may refer you to vocational rehabilitation instead[1].
Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Accounts let you save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing access to SSI, Medicaid, or other needs-based programs. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year (more if employed) and withdraw funds tax-free for qualified expenses[2].
State Employee Disability Insurance: Georgia state employees can enroll in short-term and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. Short-term disability can replace up to 60% of your pay (up to $1,500/week) after a 7- or 30-day wait, and long-term disability replaces up to 60% of pay (up to $10,000/month) after a 180-day wait[3][6].
University System of Georgia Employees have access to long-term disability insurance that pays up to 60% of monthly earnings, capped at $15,000 per month, starting after 91 days of disability[7].
Stay Updated: Georgia is launching Disability Benefits 101, an online tool to help you navigate and compare state and federal benefits[4].
Georgia STABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 26. You can save up to $19,000 per year (up to $15,060 more if employed) without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other needs-based benefits. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction[2]. See our ABLE Accounts guide for details.
For SSI in 2025, your monthly earnings must stay below $1,620 if not blind ($2,700 if blind). Both your income and resources, as well as those of certain household members, are counted[5]. Medicaid income limits are higher in Georgia under certain waivers, but exact amounts depend on household size and program rules. Always report income changes to avoid overpayments. Estimate your SSI eligibility with our SSI Income Estimator tool.
If your income or resources go over the limit, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and Georgia Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Learn how to avoid and handle overpayments in our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Georgia is launching Disability Benefits 101, an online tool to help you compare and apply for federal and state disability benefits. This resource will make it easier to understand your options if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis or another disability. Watch for updates from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and check gcdd.org for the latest information[4].
Yes, but there are strict limits. For SSI in 2025, earnings over $1,620/month (non-blind) may disqualify you. Georgia’s Medicaid waiver may have higher limits and work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available if your Rheumatoid Arthritis makes work difficult[1][5]. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide for more.
A Georgia STABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing needs-based benefits. You can save up to $19,000/year (more if employed), invest, and withdraw tax-free for qualified expenses. It’s available to Georgia residents whose disability began before age 26[2].
Apply online at gateway.ga.gov, by phone, or in person. If you don’t qualify under regular rules, ask about Georgia’s Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities. Provide medical records and proof of income[1].
Many applications are denied at first. You can appeal, often with more medical evidence. Consider getting help from a legal advocate or disability organization in Georgia.
Yes. State employees can enroll in short- and long-term disability insurance through the Flexible Benefits Program. These plans replace part of your pay if you can’t work due to illness or injury, including qualifying disabilities[3][6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Stay Informed
Disability Benefits 101 is an online tool launching in Georgia to help you compare and apply for benefits. It will provide personalized information based on your situation, making it easier to navigate state and federal programs[4].
Always report income and resource changes to the SSA and Georgia Medicaid. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting) guide for details.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both. Some people on SSDI also qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. Check both programs in our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) and [Medicaid vs Medicare](/guides/medicaid-vs-medicare) guides.
No, Georgia STABLE accounts are only for those whose disability began before age 26[2]. If your disability started after age 26, you may still qualify for other benefits, such as SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid.
Contact your local Social Security office, Georgia Gateway, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, or a local legal aid organization. Stay informed about new tools like Disability Benefits 101 for Georgia residents[4].
