How to Apply for Disability Benefits in Georgia
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
If you reside in Georgia and experience a non-work-related injury or illness that prevents you from being able to work, you could qualify for Social Security benefits.
The most recent data from the Social Security Administration indicates that over 200,000 residents of Georgia currently receive disability benefits. Read on to learn more about how to apply for disability benefits in Georgia.
Types of Disability Benefits in Georgia
Georgia does not have a state disability program, but residents can qualify for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. The SSA’s two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security Disability Insurance
You might be eligible for SSDI if an illness or injury keeps you from working for more than one year. To qualify, you must have enough work credits and have paid a certain amount of Social Security taxes during your working years. This disability program provides monthly benefits and Medicare health coverage.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a need-based program for individuals with limited income and little to no work history. To qualify, your resources must not exceed $2,000, or $3,000 if you’re married. This federal program offers monthly payments and Medicaid coverage.
To learn more about the different eligibility requirements and payment amounts for these programs, check out our full guide on SSDI vs. SSI.
Can I apply for SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income with the same application. Many applicants are eligible for both programs, and it can be beneficial to apply for the two programs at the same time.
Once approved, SSI benefits are distributed right away, and SSDI has a five-month waiting period until payments and healthcare coverage begin. The immediate SSI benefits can offer valuable support to applicants during the interim before SSDI benefits begin.
How to apply for Social Security disability in Georgia
To apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, you must complete Form SSA-16. There are three ways to apply for Social Security disability benefits:
Online: You can apply for Social Security disability benefits online at SSA.gov.
Phone: You can call your local Social Security office and apply for benefits over the phone.
In person: You can also apply for benefits in person at the nearest SSA field office.
The first step of the application process is to create an SSA account. Read our step-by-step guide to creating an online SSA account.
SSA offices in Georgia
There are 33 SSA offices throughout the state of Georgia, from Athens to Winder. Click below to find the office nearest you:
Albany 1522 W 3Rd Ave Albany, GA 31707 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 319-0733 Fax Number: (833) 950-2562 | Athens 1650 Prince Ave Athens, GA 30606 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-3294 Fax Number: (833) 950-2566 | Atlanta 3800 Camp Creek Pkwy Bldg 2400 Ste 122 Atlanta, GA 30331 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 828-1694 Fax Number: (833) 913-2075
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Atlanta 401 W Peachtree St Nw Ste 2860 Flr 28 Atlanta, GA 30308 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 931-9946 Fax Number: (833) 950-2558 | Augusta 115 Robert C Daniel Jr Pkwy Augusta, GA 30909 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 616-2523 Fax Number: (833) 950-2570
| Brunswick 134 Juniper Ct Brunswick, GA 31520 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (866) 964-6563 Fax Number: (833) 950-2866
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Columbus 7263 North Lake Dr Columbus, GA 31909 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (877) 784-3688 Fax Number: (833) 950-2568 | Cordele 510 E 15Th Ave Cordele, GA 31015 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Phone Number: (888) 225-8869 Fax Number: (833) 597-0062 |
Disability lawyers in Georgia
Here are a few Atticus firms in the Peach State:
Matthew T. Berry & Associates, LLC 2751 Buford Hwy NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, Georgia 30324 | Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, L.L.P. 577 Mulberry St., Suite 600, Macon, Georgia 31201 | Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC 225 Glynn St. S, Suite 1, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Disability Benefits in Georgia
What qualifies you for disability in Georgia?
To qualify for disability, you must have a condition preventing you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet specific work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write-up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Georgia?
Any condition preventing you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Georgia?
It takes an average of 7 months to get an initial disability decision in Georgia. Most people who apply are initially rejected and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process can take nearly two years. Read more: How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Disability benefits?
How much does disability pay in Georgia?
In 2024, the average SSDI payment in Georgia is $1,702.77 per month. The average SSI payment is $597.72. What you’ll earn depends on your income or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Georgia?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Is it easy to get disability in Georgia?
Getting disability benefits in Georgia is a complex, often long process. A few things can make it easier: Being over 50, having a particularly severe condition (on the SSA’s “compassionate allowance list”), or working with a disability lawyer. Read more: 5 signs that you’ll be approved for disability benefits.
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