Georgia offers SSI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts for individuals with Williams Syndrome and other disabilities. These supports help manage healthcare, living expenses, and future savings while protecting public benefits. Learn how to check eligibility, apply for coverage, and manage your 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:
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
3. Apply for Georgia Medicaid
4. Consider Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)
5. Open a Georgia STABLE (ABLE) Account
6. Report Changes Promptly
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.
Apply early and keep copies of everything. Waiting lists and appeal deadlines can impact your benefits. Always keep a record of applications, denials, appeals, and correspondence with agencies.
You or your representative can open a Georgia STABLE account online. Save for housing, education, healthcare, and more—tax-free and without losing Medicaid or SSI[1]. If you have questions, call Georgia STABLE for help.
Georgia is launching Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) later in 2025, a new online tool to help you compare work, benefits, and health coverage options for people with disabilities[3]. Check the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities website for updates.
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].
Yes, but earnings must stay under $1,620/month (2025) for non-blind applicants. Higher earnings may disqualify your child from SSI[4].
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].
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.
Yes, waivers like NOW/COMP can provide extra services. Apply through Georgia Medicaid; waiting lists may apply.
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].
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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Up to $19,000/year (2025). If you have earned income, you may save an additional $15,060/year[1].
No, as long as the account stays under $100,000. Above that, SSI cash benefits may be paused, but Medicaid continues[1].
You can appeal. Contact your local Social Security office or Georgia Medicaid for help. Legal aid organizations may also assist.
Contact your local Social Security office, Georgia Medicaid, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, or a legal aid organization[3].
