People with Tourette Syndrome in Georgia may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, Medicaid, and work incentives. Eligibility depends on how the condition affects daily life and work ability. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your Tourette Syndrome must cause marked and severe functional limitations. This means it must seriously affect your ability to do daily activities, learn, or work. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. If you are blind, the income limits are higher. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Children can qualify for SSI if their family income and resources are low and their condition meets the disability criteria[2][5].
In Georgia, eligibility for disability benefits depends on both federal rules and state-specific programs. For Medicaid waivers, your child or adult with Tourette Syndrome must meet medical and financial criteria. The state also offers flexible benefits through employers, including short- and long-term disability insurance. These plans can replace up to 60% of your pay if you are unable to work due to disability. Enhanced protection coverage, such as critical illness and accident insurance, may also be available through your employer[1][3][4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Georgia, you can open an ABLE account through the state program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits[5].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly earnings limit is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. If your child lives at home, family income and resources are also considered. For Medicaid waivers, income and resource limits vary by program[2][5].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly to avoid issues[2][5].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Georgia Department of Human Services for help with applications and eligibility questions.
Yes, if Tourette Syndrome causes marked and severe functional limitations and your income and resources are limited. Children must also meet family income and resource rules[2][5].
For 2025, the monthly earnings limit is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. Family income is considered for children[2][5].
Contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or your local Area Agency on Aging. You will need to provide medical and financial information to determine eligibility[5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Georgia residents can open an account through the state program[5].
Yes, work incentives let you try working without losing SSI or Medicaid. If you exceed the earnings limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped[7].
State employees can enroll in short- and long-term disability insurance, which replaces up to 60% of pay if unable to work due to disability. Enhanced protection coverage may also be available[1][3][4].
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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Report changes in income or resources to Social Security or Medicaid promptly. Keep records of all changes to avoid overpayments and penalties[2][5].
Medicaid waivers provide services like therapy, respite care, and supported living for children and adults with disabilities. Eligibility depends on medical and financial criteria[5].
Children can get SSDI if their parents were receiving disability benefits. Otherwise, children usually qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and income criteria[5].
Short-term disability has a 7- or 30-day waiting period. Long-term disability has a 180-day waiting period before benefits begin[1][3][4].
