People in Georgia with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can access federal and state benefits for healthcare, income support, and financial planning. Key programs include Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and Georgia STABLE ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect.
People with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may qualify for federal disability benefits if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, disability status, or both. Children with TBI may qualify for SSI if they meet medical and financial criteria. Adults with TBI may qualify for SSDI if they have a qualifying work history. Medicaid is available to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits, or who receive SSI or SSDI benefits. [^1][^2][^3][^4]
In Georgia, people with TBI may qualify for Medicaid through the state’s new waiver program, which expands income limits for people with disabilities who do not receive SSI. Georgia’s Medicaid waiver includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available for people with disabilities. If you cannot meet the work requirement, you may be referred to state vocational rehabilitation programs. Georgia STABLE ABLE accounts are available to residents who developed a disability before age 26, including TBI. These accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits. [^5][^6][^7]
Georgia STABLE ABLE accounts let Georgians with disabilities save up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) for qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction. You must have developed a disability before age 26 to qualify. An Authorized Legal Representative can open an account for someone who cannot do so themselves. [^24][^25]
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries ($2,700 for blind). For Medicaid in Georgia, income limits vary by program and household size. The new Medicaid waiver expands income limits for people with disabilities who do not receive SSI. [^26][^27]
You must report changes in income, employment, or disability status to avoid overpayments. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check if your income still qualifies. [^28][^29]
Apply for benefits as soon as possible. Delays can affect your eligibility and payments.
Open a Georgia STABLE ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits.
People with TBI in Georgia may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. SSI is for those with limited income, SSDI is for those with a work history, Medicaid is for those with low income and assets, and Medicare is for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
Georgia’s new Medicaid waiver expands coverage for people with disabilities who do not receive SSI. It includes work requirements, but reasonable accommodations are available for people with disabilities. If you cannot meet the work requirement, you may be referred to state vocational rehabilitation programs.
Yes, you can open a Georgia STABLE ABLE account if you developed a disability before age 26. These accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing needs-based benefits. You can save up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed).
For 2025, the monthly income limit for SSI is $1,620 for non-blind beneficiaries ($2,700 for blind). For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. The new Medicaid waiver expands income limits for people with disabilities who do not receive SSI.
You can apply for Medicaid in Georgia through Georgia Gateway. If you have a disability but do not receive SSI, you may qualify for the new Medicaid waiver. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
A Georgia STABLE ABLE account is a tax-free savings account for Georgians with disabilities. You can save up to $19,000 per year (and up to $15,060 more if employed) for qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free, and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction.
You must report changes in income, employment, or disability status to avoid overpayments. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check if your income still qualifies.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits in Georgia. SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep some benefits while you work. Georgia’s Medicaid waiver includes reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who want to work.
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities find employment. If you cannot meet Medicaid’s work requirement, you may be referred to this program. It can also help you qualify for Medicaid if you meet its requirements.
You can get help with your disability benefits application in Georgia from your local Social Security office, Georgia Department of Human Services, or Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation. You can also contact the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities for information and advocacy.
