Williams Syndrome Benefits in Georgia

Federal programs for children and adults with disabilities like Williams Syndrome include SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. For SSI, a child must have "marked and severe functional limitations" and meet strict income and resource limits (in 2025, over $1,620/month for non-blind applicants means disqualification)[4]. For SSDI, adults must have worked enough to earn credits and must currently be unable to work due to disability[4]. Medicaid uses SSI rules in Georgia for disability determinations. These programs are not diagnosis-specific—Williams Syndrome eligibility depends on functional impact, not the diagnosis alone[4].

Georgia uses federal eligibility rules for SSI and Medicaid, but also offers state ABLE accounts (Georgia STABLE) for qualified disability expenses. To open a Georgia STABLE account, you must be a Georgia resident with a disability that began before age 26[1]. Georgia does not have a separate state disability program for rare genetic conditions; supports come through Medicaid, SSI, and ABLE accounts. For State of Georgia employees, short- and long-term disability insurance may replace part of your income if you cannot work, but these are employer-based, not public benefits[5]. Always contact the Georgia Medicaid office or Social Security office for the latest rules.

Applying for Georgia disability benefits for Williams Syndrome starts with three key steps:

• Check SSI/SSDI eligibility: Visit the Social Security website or office to see if you qualify based on disability and income[4].
• Apply for Medicaid: If eligible for SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Georgia Medicaid. If not, contact Georgia Medicaid directly.
• Open a Georgia STABLE account: If your disability began before age 26, apply online for a tax-free savings account for disability expenses[1]. Always report any changes in income, living situation, or health—failure to do so can impact your benefits.

1. Gather Documents Collect medical records, proof of Georgia residency, proof of income/resources, and identification for everyone in your household.

2. Apply for SSI/SSDI

• Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office for SSI or SSDI[4].
• Submit all required forms and attend any medical exams.
• If denied, appeal within the deadline; consider contacting a legal aid organization for help.

3. Apply for Georgia Medicaid

• If approved for SSI, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Georgia Medicaid.
• If not, apply online through Georgia Gateway or contact your local DFCS office.
• Provide proof of disability, income, and residency.

4. Consider Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)

• Georgia offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for more intensive support.
• Apply through Georgia Medicaid; waiting lists may apply.
• Ask your case manager or local disability agency for help selecting the right waiver.

5. Open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account

• Visit Georgia STABLE online to create an account if your disability started before age 26[1].
• Choose an authorized legal representative if needed.
• Use the account to save for qualified disability expenses without losing Medicaid or SSI.

6. Report Changes Promptly

• Notify Social Security and Medicaid immediately if your income, resources, or living situation change.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to low-income children and adults with disabilities who meet strict financial and medical criteria[4]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) supports adults with a work history who can no longer work due to disability. Medicaid covers healthcare for eligible low-income individuals with disabilities—many with Williams Syndrome in Georgia qualify through SSI[4]. ABLE accounts (STABLE accounts in Georgia) allow tax-free savings for disability expenses without losing Medicaid or SSI[1].

Georgia Medicaid follows federal SSI rules but may have additional waivers and programs for people with developmental disabilities. Georgia’s ABLE program (Georgia STABLE) allows eligible residents to save up to $19,000 per year for qualified disability expenses, with tax-free growth and possible state income tax deductions[1]. While Georgia does not have a state-specific disability cash benefit for rare genetic conditions, Medicaid waivers (such as the NOW/COMP waivers) can provide home and community-based services. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities monitors changes in state policy and can help connect families to resources[3].

Georgia STABLE accounts are the state’s version of ABLE accounts. If you have a qualifying disability (onset before age 26), you can save and invest up to $19,000/year (more if employed) for disability-related expenses like housing, education, healthcare, and transportation—all without losing Medicaid or SSI[1]. Account growth is tax-free, and contributions may be state tax-deductible. You or your legal representative can open an account online[1].

For SSI, income and resource limits apply: in 2025, a child with a disability must not earn over $1,620/month (non-blind) to qualify for SSI[4]. Family income and resources are also counted if the child lives at home. Medicaid uses the same rules in Georgia. ABLE accounts have higher limits and do not count against SSI/Medicaid asset tests if under $100,000[1].

Always report income and resource changes to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.

If your income or resources go over the SSI/Medicaid limits, you must report this promptly to avoid overpayments—which you may have to repay. The same applies for ABLE accounts if balances exceed limits. Keep detailed records of income, expenses, and communications with agencies. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.

• Georgia STABLE (ABLE Accounts)
  Phone: 844-926-7822

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST

  Website

  Help with account setup, contributions, and qualified expenses.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–7 PM ET

  Website

  General SSI/SSDI questions, application help, and appeals.
• Georgia Medicaid
  Phone: 877-423-4746

  TTY: 711 (Georgia Relay)

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM EST

  Website

  Medicaid eligibility, application, and waiver questions.
• Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
  Phone: 404-657-2122

  TTY: 711 (Georgia Relay)

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM EST

  Website

  State policy updates, advocacy, and family support.

• Is Williams Syndrome automatically eligible for disability benefits in Georgia?

  No. Eligibility is based on functional limitations and financial need, not diagnosis. You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability and income/resource limits for SSI and Medicaid[4].

• Can my child with Williams Syndrome have a job and still get SSI?

  Yes, but earnings must stay under $1,620/month (2025) for non-blind applicants. Higher earnings may disqualify your child from SSI[4].

• What is a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) account?

  It’s a tax-free savings account for Georgians with disabilities that began before age 26. You can save for disability expenses without losing Medicaid or SSI[1].

• How do I apply for Georgia Medicaid for my child with Williams Syndrome?

  If your child gets SSI, enrollment is automatic. Otherwise, apply through Georgia Gateway or your local DFCS office. Provide proof of disability, income, and residency.

• Are there Georgia Medicaid waivers for Williams Syndrome?

  Yes, waivers like NOW/COMP can provide extra services. Apply through Georgia Medicaid; waiting lists may apply.

• Who can open a Georgia STABLE account for someone with Williams Syndrome?

  The person with the disability, their legal guardian, parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, or authorized representative can open an account, if the disability began before age 26[1].