Georgia Disability Benefits

Georgia residents with disabilities have access to financial assistance at both the state and federal levels. Federal programs include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs are funded and overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office, but the applications are administered at the state level.

The Georgia Disability Adjudication Services (DAS) receives all applications for review and determines who meets the specified criteria. This agency works under the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA).

Georgia disability benefits also include access to Medicaid, unemployment insurance, or help through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

DBHDD provides resources to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including residential care, independent living support for disabled adults, as well as deaf disability services. If you’re a student with a disability, the Georgia Department of Education also has a program to help special populations with assistive technology and classroom support.

Facts About Georgia

About 28% of Georgia’s population has an individual disability of one kind or another. The highest percentage of these fall into mobility or cognition-related disabilities, followed by independent living (those unable to complete daily errands), hearing, vision, and self-care.

Even though over a quarter of the state’s population suffers from an individual disability, only 3.9% receive Social Security benefits. Though the requirements for qualifying for SSI and SSDI benefits are limited in scope, many more Georgians may be eligible for disability benefits.

How To Qualify for SSDI in Georgia

Eligibility requirements for Social Security disability benefits are the same across the country, regardless of your state. To qualify, you’ll need to supply supporting documentation and medical records. Many applicants find they must go through one or more steps of appeals to finally get their disability claim approved.

The two main requirements regard the severity of your disability and the length of time you’ve paid into the Social Security tax system.

The most crucial requirement is that your disability must be considered severe enough to impact your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to end in death. The SSA Office has made a comprehensive list of all the disabilities it will approve for disability insurance benefits, and your disability must be listed here. There is a chance that you may be able to qualify even if your disability isn’t listed, but it’s much more likely if it is.

Second, you must show that you’ve contributed to Social Security with an adequate work history, which typically means 10 years of employment. However, there are some exemptions to this rule if your disability is deemed severe enough that you haven’t been able to work in any capacity.

It’s important to note that some people who receive federal disability benefits may still be able to work, though there are income limits. This cap, known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), is different based on your disability. For a blind person, the cap is $2,190 a month. For an otherwise disabled person, the cap is $1,310.

If you are currently receiving workers’ compensation, it may affect your eligibility. Those working are also protected under legislation such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other laws intended to provide equal opportunity for disabled people in the workforce. This means your employer must make any reasonable accommodations to help you complete your duties.

How To Apply for SSDI in Georgia

The application process for Social Security Disability occurs in one of three ways: in person, over the phone, or online. Those who want to apply in person can do so at their local Social Security field office.

In Georgia, there are 33 offices to choose from (listed below). You can apply online at the federal Social Security website, or over the phone at 800-772-1213.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide personal information about you and your family and documentation of marriages, divorces, or military service. You will also need to show medical records supporting your disability claim, including contact information for doctors, clinics, or other healthcare providers.

How To Appeal a Denial in Georgia

In Georgia, a first-time applicant is only approved 23% of the time, meaning most people must go through the appeals process. Each stage of appeals must be made within 60 days of the preceding denial to be considered.

Reconsideration

The first stage is called reconsideration, and 12% of applicants will be approved. Here your application is reviewed by a new representative who inspects and ensures that no errors were made.

Disability Hearing

If your reconsideration was denied, you can request a disability hearing with an administrative law judge. There are seven Hearing and Appeals Offices in Georgia, and your hearing will be scheduled at the closest office. Many people wish to bring additional supporting documentation or witnesses and seek legal advice from a disability lawyer to aid in their case. The good news is that 54% of cases are approved after the appeal hearing. You can improve your chances of success by hiring a disability attorney.

Appeals Council

The third level of the appeals process is to apply for reexamination online with the Social Security Appeals Council. This council reviews all lower determinations to see if a mistake was made.

Federal Court

The final level of appeal is filing a lawsuit at the district federal court in Georgia. Most people will employ a law firm at this stage.

More Georgia Benefits

SSI

Georgia residents who make an SSDI claim will also be evaluated to see if they qualify for SSI. SSI is another federal insurance program intended for those with lower incomes. SSI benefits are available to those with disabilities, who are blind, and those 65+ with or without a disability. All applicants must meet low-income and limited resource requirements.

Georgia Medicaid

Those who receive SSI payments are automatically eligible for Georgia Medicaid. Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program for low-income individuals. Some recipients of Georgia Medicaid will have small copay obligations, but many people are exempt from this such as pregnant women, members under the age of 21, and those in nursing homes or hospice care.

Georgia Unemployment

Those who need temporary financial assistance due to the loss of a job may be eligible for Georgia Unemployment benefits, a program run by the Georgia Department of Labor. This program can replace a portion of lost income for up to 26 weeks. The current weekly maximum payment is $365.

What About Short-Term Disability Benefits in Georgia?

Duration of Short-Term Disability Benefits in Georgia

Short-term disability benefits in Georgia typically last for a maximum of 26 weeks. The duration may vary based on the specific circumstances and severity of the disability. These benefits provide income replacement during temporary periods of disability, allowing individuals to focus on recovery without facing a complete loss of income. It’s important to note that the duration of benefits can be subject to specific program guidelines, so reviewing the details of the particular program is advisable.

Average Employer Short-Term Disability Benefits in Georgia

The average coverage provided by employers for short-term disability benefits in Georgia can vary. Employers often offer their own disability insurance plans, which may provide income replacement for a portion of an employee’s salary during a temporary disability. The coverage percentage and duration of benefits can differ based on the specific policy and the terms negotiated by the employer and the insurance provider.

**Please note that the information provided in this article is for reference purposes. It is recommended to consult the official government websites and relevant resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on short-term disability benefits in Georgia.

Georgia Social Security Offices

Georgia Hearing and Appeal Offices

Georgia is in Region 4 (Atlanta), which services Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.