Tourette Syndrome Benefits in Georgia

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].

• Check if your Tourette Syndrome causes marked and severe limitations.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Contact your local Social Security office for help.
• Explore Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support.

• Review the Social Security disability criteria for children and adults. Your condition must cause marked and severe functional limitations.
• Collect medical records, school reports, and proof of income and resources.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
• If applying for Medicaid waivers, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or your local Area Agency on Aging.
• For ABLE accounts, visit the Georgia ABLE program website.
• If you have employer-sponsored disability insurance, talk to your HR department about enrollment and coverage options.
• Keep all records and follow up on your applications regularly[2][5][1][3][4].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for disabled adults and children with limited income and resources.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Benefits for adults who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs that let you try working without losing benefits[2][5][7].

• Medicaid Waivers: Georgia offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for children and adults with disabilities. These waivers provide services like therapy, respite care, and supported living.
• Flexible Benefits Program: 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, such as critical illness and accident insurance, is also available.
• ABLE Accounts: Georgia residents can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[1][3][4][5].

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].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.
• Georgia Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-877-423-4746

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and other state benefits.

• Can Tourette Syndrome qualify for SSI in Georgia?

  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].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Georgia?

  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].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Georgia?

  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].

• What is an ABLE account and how does it help?

  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].

• Can I work while receiving SSI in Georgia?

  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].

• What employer benefits are available for Tourette Syndrome in Georgia?

  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].