Medicaid

Georgia Section 1619(b) Continued Medicaid: A Complete Guide

Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act is one of the most powerful and least-known work incentive provisions in the entire federal benefits system.

Brevy Care Team

· 34 min read

By Brevy Care Team · Last verified May 13, 2026

Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act is one of the most powerful and least-known work incentive provisions in the entire federal benefits system. It protects full Medicaid eligibility for former Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in Georgia whose return to work causes their SSI cash benefits to terminate. Without Section 1619(b), a disabled SSI recipient who took a job earning more than about $2,000 per month gross would face an abrupt and devastating loss of both cash benefits and Medicaid in the same month. Section 1619(b) eliminates the Medicaid cliff. As long as the beneficiary continues to meet SSI eligibility rules other than earnings, has resources within standard SSI limits, and has gross annual earnings below the Georgia state-specific threshold (approximately $48,000 in 2026), Medicaid continues fully and the beneficiary can keep working without losing the prescription drug coverage, doctor visits, home and community-based waiver services, durable medical equipment, and behavioral health services that often make work possible in the first place.

Section 1619(b) is authorized under Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act, codified at 42 USC 1382h(b), with state Medicaid responsibility established under Section 1905(q) of the SSA (42 USC 1396d(q)) and federal regulations at 42 CFR 435.120. It was created in 1980 as a three-year demonstration program by Section 311 of the Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980 (Public Law 96-265), then made permanent by the Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-643). The framework was further strengthened by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-170). Operational details are governed by the Social Security Administration's Program Operations Manual System (POMS) sections SI 02302.000 through SI 02302.300.

This guide explains the federal framework that governs Section 1619(b), the five federal eligibility criteria, the 2026 Georgia Charted Threshold Amount (CTA) and individualized threshold mechanism, the relationship between Section 1619(a) cash continuation and Section 1619(b) Medicaid continuation, the difference between Section 1619(b) and QDWI (the Qualified Disabled and Working Individual Medicare Savings Program), how Section 1619(b) interacts with Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs), and Blind Work Expenses (BWEs), Georgia DCH and DFCS administration through the State Data Exchange, the implications of Georgia being a Section 1634 state (rather than a Section 209(b) state), and worked examples for typical Georgia scenarios.

::: hero Georgia Section 1619(b) Continued Medicaid: protects full Medicaid eligibility for working former SSI recipients whose earnings cause SSI cash termination. 2026 Georgia threshold approximately $48,000 annual gross earned income (higher with individualized threshold). Five federal criteria under Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR 435.120. Apply automatically through SSA when reporting earnings; Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov) for Medicaid verification. :::

The Federal Framework: Origin and Statutory Foundation

Section 1619 of the Social Security Act was created in response to a fundamental problem in the original SSI program. When SSI was created in 1972, the program contained a "cash cliff" that strongly discouraged work for disabled beneficiaries. As soon as gross earnings exceeded a relatively low threshold, both the SSI cash payment AND the linked Medicaid coverage would end abruptly in the same month. For beneficiaries with high ongoing medical costs (waiver services, expensive prescriptions, durable medical equipment, regular specialist visits), the loss of Medicaid often outweighed any earnings increase, making part-time or even full-time work financially irrational.

The 1980 Demonstration

Section 311 of the Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980 (PL 96-265) created Section 1619 as a three-year demonstration program with two related protections:

Section 1619(a) provides reduced SSI cash payments for working SSI recipients whose earned income exceeds the cash-payment threshold but remains below substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Section 1619(b) provides continued Medicaid eligibility for working former SSI recipients whose earnings completely terminate the cash payment but who otherwise continue to meet SSI eligibility rules.

The 1980 demonstration was extended several times. Congress observed that 1619 enrollees were more likely to work, work more hours, earn more, and rely less on cash assistance than beneficiaries who lacked the protection.

The 1986 Permanent Authorization

The Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act of 1986 (PL 99-643) made Section 1619 permanent and refined its operation. The 1986 act:

Established the federal/state matching rate for 1619(b) Medicaid through Section 1905(q)
Required state Medicaid programs to recognize 1619(b) status without additional eligibility determination
Created the threshold methodology that produces the state-specific Charted Threshold Amount (CTA)
Strengthened reporting and outreach requirements

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (PL 106-170) expanded work incentive outreach, created the Ticket to Work program, and added the Medicaid Buy-In option (separate from 1619(b)) for states that wanted to extend Medicaid to working disabled people above the SSI line. Georgia has NOT adopted a Medicaid Buy-In option as of 2026, so Section 1619(b) is the primary Medicaid work-incentive pathway for former SSI recipients in the state.

Section 1905(q) State Medicaid Responsibility

Section 1905(q) of the SSA (42 USC 1396d(q)) requires state Medicaid programs to provide full Medicaid coverage to 1619(b) beneficiaries on the same terms as SSI recipients. This is not optional for states; it is a federal requirement that flows from Medicaid's matching funds.

For Georgia, this means that DCH must cover 1619(b) beneficiaries with the full ABD Medicaid benefit package, including:

Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
Physician and specialist services
Prescription drugs (without the gaps that exist in commercial coverage)
Mental health and substance use treatment
Durable medical equipment
Home and community-based services through approved waivers
Long-term care if needed
Transportation to medical appointments
All other Medicaid state plan services

Federal Authorities at a Glance

Section 1619(a) of the Social Security Act: cash continuation for working SSI recipients
Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act: Medicaid continuation for working former SSI recipients
42 USC 1382h(a)/(b): codified version
Section 1905(q) of the Social Security Act: state Medicaid responsibility
42 USC 1396d(q): codified version
42 CFR 435.120: federal Medicaid regulation
Section 1611 of the SSA: base SSI eligibility
Section 1612 of the SSA: SSI income definitions and disregards
Section 1613 of the SSA: SSI resource definitions
Section 1615 of the SSA: Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
POMS SI 02302.000: 1619 program overview
POMS SI 02302.200: state threshold calculations
POMS SI 02302.300: 1619(b) eligibility determination
POMS SI 00820.510: earned income disregards
Social Security Disability Amendments of 1980 (PL 96-265) Section 311: created 1619
Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act of 1986 (PL 99-643): made permanent
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (PL 106-170): expanded work incentives

The Five Federal Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Section 1619(b) continued Medicaid in Georgia, an individual must satisfy all five federal criteria simultaneously. The criteria are evaluated by SSA, not by Georgia DCH or DFCS, because 1619(b) status flows automatically from the federal Title XVI program to Georgia Medicaid through the State Data Exchange (SDX).

Criterion 1: SSI Eligibility in the Immediately Preceding Month

The individual must have been eligible for SSI in the month immediately before the earnings caused SSI cash termination. "Eligible for SSI" includes:

Receiving SSI cash payments at the standard rate
Receiving a reduced SSI payment under Section 1619(a) work continuation rules
Receiving $0 SSI payment due to other income offset but still meeting SSI eligibility

The critical word is "immediately." If the individual lost SSI eligibility for any reason OTHER than earnings (medical recovery, excess unearned income, excess resources, leaving the country for more than 30 days, incarceration, leaving a Medicaid institution against medical advice) in the month immediately before the earnings would have caused termination, the individual cannot enter 1619(b). The pathway is specifically reserved for transitions from SSI to work, not from other reasons to work.

Criterion 2: Continuing SSI Eligibility Rules Except for Earnings

The individual must continue to meet all SSI eligibility rules except that earned income exceeds the threshold at which SSI cash benefits terminate. This means:

Disability or blindness: still meets the federal definition under Sections 1614(a)(3) (disability) or 1614(a)(2) (blindness). The disability must continue. If medical improvement occurs and SSA determines the individual no longer meets the disability standard, 1619(b) ends.
Age: still under 65, OR if 65+ still meets aged criterion.
Resources: still within $2,000 single / $3,000 couple SSI resource limits (see Criterion 5 for detail).
Citizenship/qualified non-citizen status: maintained.
Living arrangement: not in a category that disqualifies SSI eligibility.

Criterion 3: Medicaid Needed to Continue Working

The individual must need Medicaid to continue working. Federal regulations and POMS create a strong presumption that everyone needs Medicaid; the criterion is effectively automatic. The presumption can be rebutted only by clear evidence that the individual genuinely does not need Medicaid (for example, has comparable comprehensive private coverage with no gaps). Such rebuttal is extremely rare in practice.

In Georgia, the presumption is administered without any documentation requirement. The beneficiary does not have to prove a need for Medicaid; SSA and DCH assume it.

Criterion 4: Earnings Below Georgia Threshold

The individual's gross earned income must be below Georgia's Section 1619(b) Charted Threshold Amount (CTA). The CTA is calculated annually under POMS SI 02302.200 by SSA. For 2026, the Georgia CTA is approximately $48,000-$49,000 of gross annual earned income (verify with SSA for the precise current figure).

The CTA is calculated by combining:

The state's standard SSI federal benefit rate (FBR): $967/month single in 2026 = $11,604/year
The state's per-capita Medicaid expenditure for SSI-eligible individuals
Standard SSI earned-income disregards
The state's actual cost of providing Medicaid coverage to a typical 1619(b) beneficiary

States with higher per-capita Medicaid spending have higher CTAs. States with lower spending have lower CTAs. Georgia's CTA reflects moderate per-capita Medicaid expenditure for the ABD population.

For comparison, approximate 2026 CTAs in selected states:

California: $58,000
New York: $54,000
Illinois: $50,000
Georgia: $48,000
Texas: $42,000
Florida: $36,000

Criterion 5: Resources Within SSI Limits

The individual's countable resources must remain at or below standard SSI limits:

$2,000 for a single individual
$3,000 for a married couple

These limits have not been updated since 1989 and apply to all SSI-related Medicaid pathways. Standard SSI resource exclusions apply:

One principal residence (regardless of value)
One vehicle (regardless of value)
Household goods and personal effects
Burial space (one per family member)
Burial fund up to $1,500 per individual
Life insurance with cash value up to $1,500
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) excluded resources
Property essential to self-support (e.g., tools for a self-employed individual)
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refunds (excluded for 12 months after receipt)
Retroactive SSI and SSDI payments (excluded for 9 months)
Certain dedicated accounts for disabled children

The countable resource category captures cash, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, second vehicles, real property other than the home, second life insurance policies, and similar items.

The Individualized Threshold Amount for High Medical Cost Beneficiaries

For Section 1619(b) beneficiaries whose actual Medicaid utilization exceeds the implicit per-capita amount used in the standard CTA calculation, federal rules at POMS SI 02302.200 allow an individualized threshold. This is particularly important for Georgia beneficiaries who use expensive Medicaid services.

How the Individualized Threshold Works

The individualized threshold calculation:

Starts with the standard Georgia CTA (approximately $48,000 in 2026)
Adds the difference between the individual's actual annual Medicaid-funded medical costs and the per-capita amount embedded in the CTA

For example, if the implicit per-capita amount embedded in Georgia's $48,000 CTA is approximately $6,000 of Medicaid expenditure, and an individual's actual annual Medicaid expenditure is $14,000 (for example, $8,000 in HCBS waiver services plus $4,000 in prescription drugs plus $2,000 in specialist visits), the individualized threshold rises by $8,000 to approximately $56,000.

For beneficiaries with very high Medicaid costs (specialty drugs, intensive HCBS waiver services, residential treatment), the individualized threshold can rise to $80,000, $100,000, or even higher.

Who Should Request an Individualized Threshold

The following Georgia beneficiaries should consider requesting an individualized threshold calculation:

COMP or NOW HCBS waiver participants: Georgia's Comprehensive Supports Waiver (COMP) and New Options Waiver (NOW) provide community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These services can cost $30,000-$80,000 per year per individual, well above the per-capita amount embedded in the standard CTA.
Specialty prescription drug users: Individuals on HIV antiretrovirals, cancer treatments, multiple sclerosis therapies, hepatitis C cures, or biologic medications may have Medicaid drug costs of $20,000-$100,000+ per year.
Individuals using personal care services: Adults using Medicaid-funded personal care attendant services (Independent Care Waiver Program, Community Care Services Program for those who qualify, or other programs) often have annual costs above the per-capita amount.
Individuals with frequent specialist visits: Beneficiaries managing chronic conditions requiring monthly specialist visits, regular diagnostic imaging, or frequent emergency department use may have annual costs above the CTA per-capita.

How to Request an Individualized Threshold

The request goes to SSA, not to Georgia DCH. The beneficiary should:

Compile documentation of Medicaid utilization over the past 12 months (Explanation of Benefits statements, waiver service authorization records, Medicaid claims history obtained from DCH)
Contact a local SSA field office (find through ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213)
Request an "individualized threshold" calculation under POMS SI 02302.200
Submit documentation showing actual Medicaid costs
SSA recalculates the threshold for the individual

The individualized threshold is reviewed annually as part of the SSI redetermination process. Beneficiaries whose costs change substantially should request a recalculation.

Section 1619(a) Cash Continuation: The Step Before 1619(b)

Before an SSI recipient reaches Section 1619(b), they often pass through Section 1619(a). Understanding the relationship between 1619(a) and 1619(b) is essential.

How 1619(a) Works

Section 1619(a) provides reduced SSI cash payments for working SSI recipients whose earned income exceeds the standard SSI threshold but is below the threshold at which cash benefits completely terminate. The calculation:

Start with the SSI federal benefit rate: $967/month single (2026)
Subtract: $20 general disregard + $65 earned income disregard + 50% of remaining earned income (after disregards)
Result: reduced cash payment

For a single SSI recipient earning $1,000/month gross:

Gross earned income: $1,000
Minus $65 earned income disregard: $935
Minus 50% disregard: $467.50 countable earned income
Minus $20 general disregard (applied to earned income because no unearned income): $447.50
SSI cash payment: $967 - $447.50 = $519.50

The individual receives a $519.50 SSI cash payment, plus their $1,000 earned income, for total monthly income of $1,519.50.

The Cash Termination Threshold

Cash benefits terminate when countable earned income equals or exceeds the SSI federal benefit rate. For a single SSI recipient in 2026:

$967 SSI FBR = (gross earnings - $20 - $65) / 2
Solving: gross earnings = ($967 × 2) + $85 = $2,019/month

So a single SSI recipient with gross earnings of $2,019/month or more receives no SSI cash payment. At that point, the individual transitions from 1619(a) status to 1619(b) status.

The 1619(a)-to-1619(b) Transition

The transition is essentially seamless. SSA tracks earnings month by month. When earnings cross the cash termination threshold:

The SSI cash payment goes to $0
The individual's status code changes from N01 (regular SSI) or N04 (1619(a)) to N02 (1619(b))
Medicaid continuation under 1619(b) begins
Georgia DCH receives the status code change through SDX
Full Medicaid coverage continues without interruption

Sequence of SSI Statuses

The typical progression for a working SSI recipient:

Standard SSI (no earnings or earnings under $85/month): full SSI cash + Medicaid
Standard SSI with disregards (earnings $85-$1,000/month): reduced SSI cash + Medicaid
Section 1619(a) (earnings $1,000-$2,019/month): further reduced SSI cash + Medicaid
Section 1619(b) (earnings $2,019-$4,000/month gross, up to Georgia CTA of approximately $48,000/year): $0 SSI cash + full Medicaid
Above CTA: no SSI, no automatic Medicaid (potential ACA marketplace or other coverage)

This continuum protects the beneficiary at every earnings level until the Georgia CTA is exceeded.

Comparing Section 1619(b) to QDWI

Section 1619(b) is frequently confused with the Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) Medicare Savings Program. The two protect different populations under different titles of the Social Security Act:

Section 1619(b)

SSA Title: XVI (SSI)
Population: former SSI recipients who returned to work
Protection: full Medicaid coverage
Income limit: state-specific CTA (~$48K Georgia annual gross)
Resource limit: $2,000 single / $3,000 couple (SSI limits)
Medicare relationship: 1619(b) beneficiaries are generally not Medicare-eligible
Auto-enrollment: SDX-transmitted from SSA to Georgia DCH

QDWI

SSA Title: II (SSDI Medicare)
Population: former SSDI recipients who returned to work and lost cash benefits but retain Medicare entitlement under Section 226(b)
Protection: Medicare Part A premium ($278 or $505/month in 2026) only
Income limit: 200% of Federal Poverty Level ($2,610 single/month)
Resource limit: $4,000 single / $6,000 couple
Medicare relationship: must have Medicare under Section 226(b) extended entitlement
Auto-enrollment: must apply separately through Georgia Gateway or DFCS

When a Beneficiary Might Use Both Sequentially

A small number of beneficiaries pass through both pathways at different times. The typical sequence:

Disabled in early adulthood, qualifies for SSI (not SSDI because no prior work history)
Begins working part-time, enters 1619(a), then 1619(b) as earnings grow
Accrues enough quarters of coverage over years of work to qualify for SSDI cash benefits
SSI cash converts to SSDI cash (often a larger payment)
After 24 months of SSDI cash, becomes entitled to Medicare under Section 226(b)
Continues working, eventually completes Trial Work Period (9 months)
After TWP, in Extended Period of Eligibility (36 months) during which earnings above SGA cause monthly cash termination
After EPE, in Section 226(b) extended Medicare entitlement window (93 months)
SSDI cash ends due to earnings; Medicare continues but Part A premium owed
QDWI begins to cover Part A premium

This sequence can span 15-20 years of work history. At each stage, the appropriate protection (1619(b) for SSI-Medicaid; QDWI for SSDI-Medicare) applies.

Section 1619(b) and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) under Section 1612(b)(4) and Section 1613(a)(2)(C) allows an SSI recipient to set aside income or resources for a specific work-related goal without those amounts counting toward SSI eligibility. PASS is a powerful tool for 1619(b) beneficiaries who want to expand their work capacity.

What a PASS Plan Can Fund

Vocational training or education
Equipment, supplies, and tools for self-employment
A vehicle if needed for work or training
Adaptive technology for work
Childcare while pursuing work goals
Health and dental work needed for employability
Job-related licenses, certifications, or memberships

How PASS Affects 1619(b)

For 1619(b) calculation purposes:

PASS-set-aside earned income is NOT counted toward the Georgia CTA
PASS-set-aside resources are NOT counted toward the $2,000/$3,000 resource limit
The set-aside continues for the duration of the approved plan (typically 6-36 months)

This means a 1619(b) beneficiary with a PASS plan can effectively have higher earnings (up to CTA plus the PASS amount) and higher resources (up to $2,000 plus PASS resources) while remaining eligible.

How to Apply for a PASS Plan

PASS plans are administered through SSA, typically through regional PASS Cadre specialists. The application process:

Develop a specific work goal with a clear path and timeline
Identify the income or resources needed to achieve the goal
Complete SSA Form SSA-545-BK (Plan to Achieve Self-Support)
Submit to the local SSA field office
The PASS Cadre reviews and approves, modifies, or denies
Track progress and report changes

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) can help develop PASS plans for working SSI/1619(b) beneficiaries.

In addition to PASS, Section 1619(b) beneficiaries benefit from earnings disregards for impairment-related or blindness-related work expenses.

Under Section 1612(b)(4)(B), IRWEs are deducted from gross earned income for SSI calculation purposes. Common IRWEs include:

Attendant care services needed for work
Medical devices and equipment used at work
Prosthetic devices
Residential modifications for accessibility (ramps, lifts, accessible bathroom)
Routine drugs and medical services related to the impairment
Diagnostic procedures related to the impairment
Non-medical appliances and devices (wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications, etc.)
Other expenses (braille materials, services or training, special transportation)

IRWE deductions reduce countable earned income, expanding 1619(b) eligibility. A 1619(b) beneficiary with $3,200/month gross earnings and $800/month documented IRWEs has effective earnings of $2,400/month for SSI/1619(b) purposes.

Under Section 1612(b)(4)(A), BWEs apply only to SSI recipients who are statutorily blind. BWEs are broader than IRWEs: any work-related expense qualifies, not just impairment-related. Common BWEs include:

Transportation to and from work (any form)
Income taxes (federal and state)
Mandatory pension and disability contributions
Visual aids and services
Reader services
Translator services for blind individuals using Braille
Service animal expenses

BWEs are particularly valuable because they include items like federal and state income tax withholding, which can be a substantial portion of gross earnings.

Georgia DCH/DFCS Administration

Georgia administers Section 1619(b) Medicaid through the State Data Exchange (SDX) system in coordination with SSA. The administrative pathway differs substantially from other Medicaid eligibility pathways.

Georgia Is a Section 1634 State

Under Section 1634 of the Social Security Act, states can choose to "contract" with SSA so that federal SSI determinations automatically establish state Medicaid eligibility. Georgia is a 1634 state. This means:

When SSA determines that an individual is eligible for SSI, Georgia Medicaid eligibility is automatic
When SSA determines 1619(a) or 1619(b) status, Georgia Medicaid continues automatically
The State Data Exchange (SDX) transmits eligibility status from SSA to Georgia DCH electronically
No separate state-level Medicaid determination is required

This is a substantial procedural advantage compared to Section 209(b) states (Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia), where 1619(b) beneficiaries must apply separately at the state level using pre-1972 SSI eligibility rules.

What This Means in Practice

For Georgia 1619(b) beneficiaries:

Report earnings to SSA (online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a field office)
SSA updates the SSI status code in the SDX
Georgia DCH receives the status code automatically
Medicaid coverage continues without interruption

The beneficiary typically does not need to file a separate Medicaid application for 1619(b) coverage. However, beneficiaries should:

Verify their Medicaid coverage at gateway.ga.gov
Respond to any annual renewal requests from DFCS (these still occur)
Report changes in employment status, income, household composition, and resources to both SSA and DFCS
Keep documentation of pay stubs, employer letters, IRWE/BWE/PASS expenses, and resource statements

Annual Redetermination

Section 1619(b) beneficiaries are subject to annual redetermination under SSA rules and Medicaid renewal under DCH rules. The two processes typically run in parallel:

SSA redetermination: SSA reviews continued eligibility, including current earnings, resource status, and disability continuation. Earnings reports may be requested.
DCH renewal: Georgia Gateway sends a renewal notice annually. The beneficiary confirms or updates information.

Failure to respond to either redetermination can result in loss of coverage. Beneficiaries should respond promptly to all notices.

Reporting Obligations

1619(b) beneficiaries have ongoing reporting obligations to SSA:

Monthly earnings (pay stubs or self-employment records)
Changes in employment status (started a new job, changed employers, became self-employed, lost a job)
Changes in marital status
Changes in living arrangement
Unearned income changes (workers' compensation, settlement income, etc.)
Resource changes (inheritance, gifts, lottery winnings, etc.)
Moves to another state

Failure to report can result in overpayments (SSA seeks repayment), loss of 1619(b) status, and in extreme cases fraud allegations.

::: callout Key Takeaways

Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act protects full Medicaid eligibility for working former SSI recipients whose earnings cause SSI cash termination.
The 2026 Georgia Charted Threshold Amount is approximately $48,000-$49,000 of gross annual earned income. Individualized thresholds can raise this for high medical cost beneficiaries.
Five federal criteria: prior SSI eligibility, continued SSI rules except earnings, Medicaid needed for work, earnings below threshold, resources within $2,000/$3,000.
Section 1619(b) is for former SSI (Title XVI) recipients. QDWI is for former SSDI (Title II) recipients. They are different programs.
Georgia is a Section 1634 state, so 1619(b) status automatically flows from SSA to Georgia DCH through the State Data Exchange.
IRWEs, BWEs, and PASS plans further reduce countable earnings and resources, expanding 1619(b) eligibility.
Report earnings and changes to SSA monthly; verify Medicaid status at gateway.ga.gov. :::

Worked Examples: Georgia Scenarios

The following examples illustrate how Section 1619(b) applies in practice. Names and details are illustrative.

Example 1: Linda, 42, Atlanta: SSI-to-Work 1619(b) Approval

Linda is a 42-year-old former retail worker who has received SSI for 5 years following a fibromyalgia diagnosis. She has $1,800 in her checking account, no other resources, and has been receiving the full SSI cash benefit of $967/month. She recently completed a vocational rehabilitation program with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and started a part-time job at a grocery store earning $1,800/month gross.

Linda's earnings calculation:

Gross earned income: $1,800/month
Minus $65 earned income disregard: $1,735
Minus 50% disregard: $867.50 countable earned income
Minus $20 general disregard: $847.50
SSI cash: $967 - $847.50 = $119.50

Linda receives a reduced SSI cash payment of $119.50/month plus her $1,800 earnings, plus continued Medicaid. As her earnings grow over the next few months to $2,100/month, she crosses the cash-termination threshold and enters 1619(b) status. Georgia DCH receives the status change through SDX. Linda's Medicaid prescription drug coverage, primary care visits, and physical therapy continue without interruption. Her annual gross earnings of $25,200 are well below the Georgia CTA of approximately $48,000.

Example 2: James, 38, Savannah: 1619(b) Threshold Test

James is a 38-year-old former SSI recipient who recently started full-time work as a computer technician earning $3,800/month gross ($45,600/year). His SSI cash payment ended immediately because his earnings exceeded the cash-termination threshold ($2,019/month).

James's annual gross earnings of $45,600 are below the Georgia 2026 CTA of approximately $48,000. James qualifies for 1619(b) and continues full Medicaid coverage. His employer offers health insurance but it is unaffordable for him, so the continued Medicaid is critical. James also continues to use Medicaid-funded mental health counseling and prescription medications for his bipolar disorder.

Six months later, James receives a $200/month raise, bringing his gross earnings to $4,000/month ($48,000/year). He is right at the threshold. James calls SSA to request an individualized threshold calculation. SSA reviews his Medicaid claims history showing approximately $9,000/year in mental health services and prescription drugs. The individualized threshold is calculated at approximately $52,000/year. James remains in 1619(b).

Example 3: Rebecca, 45, Macon: Individualized Threshold for High Medical Costs

Rebecca is a 45-year-old former SSI recipient with autism spectrum disorder who participates in Georgia's COMP HCBS waiver. The waiver provides her with $32,000/year in community-based supports, including supported employment services, day program activities, transportation, and personal care assistance. She also takes specialty medications totaling $8,000/year. Her total annual Medicaid expenditure is approximately $42,000.

Rebecca recently started part-time work at a local nonprofit earning $4,400/month gross ($52,800/year). Her annual earnings exceed the standard Georgia CTA of approximately $48,000, so she would normally lose 1619(b) status.

Rebecca's caseworker at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) helps her request an individualized threshold from SSA. SSA reviews her Medicaid expenditure history of $42,000/year, far above the per-capita amount embedded in the standard CTA. The individualized threshold is calculated at approximately $84,000/year. Rebecca remains in 1619(b) and continues her COMP waiver services.

This case illustrates the critical importance of the individualized threshold for HCBS waiver participants. Without it, Rebecca would face an impossible choice between working at her earnings level and keeping her $42,000/year waiver services.

Example 4: Marcus, 50, Augusta: Loss of 1619(b) and Transition to ACA Marketplace

Marcus is a 50-year-old former SSI recipient who has been working as a software developer for 4 years, earning increasing amounts each year. In 2026, his annual gross earnings reach $54,000/year, slightly above the Georgia standard CTA of approximately $48,000.

Marcus has relatively modest annual Medicaid expenditure (primarily routine doctor visits and generic medications totaling about $4,000/year). His individualized threshold would only raise the CTA marginally to about $50,000, still below his earnings.

Marcus loses 1619(b) eligibility. He receives a notice from SSA and a corresponding notice from Georgia DCH. Marcus has a special enrollment period for the ACA marketplace and signs up for a Silver-level plan through healthcare.gov. Because his MAGI is $54,000 (well above 138% FPL of $20,790 but below 400% FPL), he qualifies for Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR).

His monthly premium with subsidies is approximately $135/month for a Silver plan. He continues to work and now has employer-comparable coverage. This is the intended outcome of the 1619(b) program: the beneficiary's earnings have grown to the point that they no longer need Medicaid, and the ACA marketplace provides an adequate alternative.

Example 5: Diane, 40, Columbus: 1619(b) Annual Renewal

Diane is a 40-year-old former SSI recipient in her third year of 1619(b) status. She works full-time as a paralegal earning $2,800/month gross ($33,600/year), well below the Georgia CTA. She has $1,400 in checking, $400 in savings, no other countable resources, and continues to meet the SSI disability standard for her chronic kidney disease.

Diane receives her annual SSI redetermination form from SSA. She completes the form indicating her current employment, current earnings, and current resources. She also documents $300/month in IRWEs for transportation to dialysis treatment and prescription co-pays (paid out-of-pocket because she uses some non-Medicaid services).

SSA recalculates her status. Her countable earned income after IRWE is reduced. She continues to qualify for 1619(b). DCH sends a corresponding Medicaid renewal through Georgia Gateway. Diane confirms her information online and uploads recent pay stubs. Medicaid continues without interruption.

Example 6: Anthony, 47, Athens: 1619(b) to SSDI to QDWI Transition

Anthony is a 47-year-old former SSI recipient who has been in 1619(b) status for 6 years. He works full-time as a graphic designer earning $3,200/month gross ($38,400/year). Over the past 8 years of work, he has accrued enough quarters of coverage to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cash benefits.

Anthony's SSI converts to SSDI cash benefits (a larger payment because SSDI is based on his earnings history). His Medicaid coverage continues under 1619(b) for as long as he meets the criteria, because SSA presumes he meets SSI eligibility absent the SSDI cash. After 24 months of SSDI entitlement, Anthony also becomes entitled to Medicare under Section 226(b).

Anthony now has both Medicaid (1619(b)) and Medicare. Medicare is primary for hospital, physician, and prescription services; Medicaid wraps around for cost-sharing and services Medicare does not cover.

Two years later, Anthony completes his Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). His SSDI cash benefits end due to earnings exceeding SGA. His 1619(b) Medicaid also ends because he no longer meets SSI rules (he is no longer an SSI/1619(b) beneficiary; he is a former SSDI beneficiary). Anthony loses Medicaid entirely.

Anthony retains Medicare under Section 226(b) extended Medicare entitlement (93 months from TWP completion) but now owes the Part A premium under Section 1818A. He applies for and receives QDWI, which pays his $278/month Part A premium. He also pays his Part B premium out of pocket and has commercial supplemental coverage through his employer.

This case illustrates how a beneficiary can move through multiple federal programs over a career: SSI → 1619(a) → 1619(b) → SSDI → Medicare → QDWI, each addressing a different protection at a different life stage.

Special Considerations

Section 209(b) vs Section 1634

As noted, Georgia is a Section 1634 state, which makes 1619(b) administration straightforward. Beneficiaries moving from a 209(b) state (Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia) to Georgia should:

Notify SSA of the move
Apply for Georgia Medicaid through Georgia Gateway, even though 1619(b) should flow automatically
Verify Medicaid activation with DCH after the move

The reverse (Georgia to a 209(b) state) requires more attention. Beneficiaries may need to take affirmative steps to retain 1619(b) status in the new state.

Earned Income Tax Credit and 1619(b)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers. SSI rules exclude EITC refunds from countable resources for 12 months after receipt. This means:

A 1619(b) beneficiary who receives a $3,000 EITC refund in February 2026 is excluded from countable resources through January 2027
The beneficiary should keep the EITC refund in a separate account if possible to track the 12-month exclusion period
After 12 months, any remaining EITC refund becomes a countable resource

This allows 1619(b) beneficiaries to accumulate a modest emergency reserve through EITC without losing eligibility.

Self-Employment and 1619(b)

For self-employed 1619(b) beneficiaries, net self-employment income (gross income minus allowable business expenses under IRS Schedule C or SE rules) is used for the threshold calculation. This is calculated annually under POMS SI 00820.200.

Self-employed beneficiaries should:

Maintain careful business expense records
Use IRS Schedule C to document business deductions
Report Net Earnings from Self-Employment (NESE) quarterly to SSA
Coordinate with a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor

Inheritance and Other Unexpected Income

A 1619(b) beneficiary who receives an inheritance, settlement, lottery winning, or other large lump sum must address it carefully:

The lump sum is income in the month received (potentially affecting SSI eligibility that month)
After the month received, the unspent portion becomes a resource (potentially exceeding $2,000)
Resources above $2,000 cause loss of 1619(b)

Spend-down strategies (purchasing exempt resources like home repairs, vehicle replacement, burial reserves, life insurance up to $1,500, or pre-paying allowable expenses) can preserve eligibility. Consultation with a benefits counselor or attorney is recommended.

Living Arrangement Categories

SSI has multiple federal benefit rates depending on living arrangement under Section 1611(e)(1)(B):

Own household: $967/month FBR (2026)
Household of another (reduced one-third): $645/month
Medicaid institution: $30/month personal needs allowance

For 1619(b) purposes, these living arrangement categories preserve Medicaid eligibility regardless of which applies. The threshold calculation uses the standard FBR for purposes of computing the CTA, not the reduced rate.

Transition to Medicare

Section 1619(b) is for non-Medicare beneficiaries. When a 1619(b) beneficiary becomes Medicare-eligible (typically through SSDI entitlement at 24 months, or by reaching age 65), they typically transition out of 1619(b). The relevant pathways at that point:

QMB/SLMB/QI: Medicare Savings Programs covering Medicare premiums and cost-sharing
QDWI: if SSDI was terminated due to earnings and Section 226(b) extended Medicare entitlement applies
Medicare Buy-In: through Georgia DCH for premium payments
ABD Medicaid: Pickle, DAC, or other ABD pathways with applicable income/resource limits
Pathways to Coverage: Georgia's Medicaid alternative for working adults 19-64

The transition can be complex. A counselor at GeorgiaCares (1-866-552-4464) or Atlanta Legal Aid (404-377-0701) can help map the appropriate path.

Step-by-Step Process: From SSI to 1619(b) in Georgia

The following steps describe the typical journey from SSI to 1619(b) status.

Step 1: Establish Baseline SSI Eligibility

The individual must be receiving SSI cash benefits (or be in 1619(a) status) immediately before the earnings cause cash termination. This baseline is established through the standard SSI application process at SSA.

Step 2: Report All Earnings to SSA

When the individual starts working, report earnings to SSA. Reporting methods:

Online at ssa.gov via my Social Security account
By phone at 1-800-772-1213
By mail with pay stubs to the local field office
In person at the local field office
Through the SSI mobile wage reporting application

Earnings should be reported by the 10th of the month following the month of earnings.

Step 3: Pass Through 1619(a)

As earnings grow, SSI cash payments are reduced under 1619(a) until they reach $0. This transition is automatic; SSA processes the wage reports and recalculates cash payments monthly.

Step 4: Enter 1619(b) Status

When countable earned income equals the SSI Federal Benefit Rate, cash payments terminate and 1619(b) status begins. SSA changes the status code to N02. The SDX transmits the status change to Georgia DCH.

Step 5: Verify Medicaid Continuation

Verify Medicaid coverage at gateway.ga.gov or call DCH Member Services at 1-866-211-0950. Medicaid should continue without interruption.

Step 6: Track Earnings Against the Georgia CTA

Monitor annual gross earnings against the Georgia CTA (approximately $48,000 in 2026). If earnings approach or exceed the CTA, consider:

Requesting an individualized threshold calculation from SSA
Documenting all IRWEs/BWEs/PASS expenses
Reviewing whether PASS could shield additional earnings
Planning for potential transition to ACA marketplace if 1619(b) cannot be preserved

Step 7: Complete Annual Redetermination

Each year, SSA conducts a redetermination of SSI/1619(b) eligibility. Georgia DCH also sends a Medicaid renewal through Georgia Gateway. Respond to both promptly and accurately.

Step 8: Report Changes

Report all changes in employment, income, resources, household composition, and living arrangement to SSA as soon as they occur. Reporting to SSA generally satisfies the corresponding DCH reporting requirement (because of the SDX), but direct DCH reporting may also be necessary for some changes.

Fifteen Common Mistakes

Believing return to work will cause loss of Medicaid. This is the central misconception that 1619(b) was designed to address. Working former SSI recipients in Georgia keep Medicaid up to approximately $48,000/year of gross earnings (or higher with individualized threshold).
Not knowing about Section 1619(b) at all. Many SSI recipients have never heard of 1619(b). Beneficiaries should consult GeorgiaCares, GVRA, or Atlanta Legal Aid before returning to work to learn about work incentives.
Not requesting individualized threshold when applicable. Beneficiaries with HCBS waiver services, specialty drugs, or high Medicaid utilization may qualify for an individualized threshold well above the standard CTA.
Confusing 1619(b) with QDWI. 1619(b) is for former SSI (Title XVI) recipients and provides full Medicaid. QDWI is for former SSDI (Title II) recipients and provides only Part A premium assistance.
Not tracking IRWEs and BWEs carefully. These deductions reduce countable earnings and expand eligibility. Beneficiaries should document attendant care, transportation, medical devices, and similar expenses.
Letting resources exceed $2,000/$3,000. Common causes include EITC refund accumulation, inheritances, gifts, settlements, and savings buildup. Plan spend-downs or use exempt categories like burial funds.
Failing to report earnings to SSA. Monthly wage reporting is essential. Failure can cause overpayments, fraud allegations, and loss of 1619(b).
Not knowing Georgia is a 1634 state. Many beneficiaries do not understand that 1619(b) status automatically flows from SSA to Georgia DCH. They mistakenly think they need to apply for Medicaid separately.
Assuming 1619(b) covers Medicare. 1619(b) is for non-Medicare beneficiaries. Once Medicare entitlement begins, other pathways (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI, Pickle) apply.
Not coordinating with HCBS waiver case manager. Waiver beneficiaries should communicate with their DBHDD or DCH waiver case manager when they start working, change jobs, or experience earnings changes.
Letting earnings creep above Georgia CTA without recalculating individualized threshold. Many beneficiaries assume they have lost eligibility when earnings approach the CTA. They should request an individualized threshold calculation before assuming loss.
Confusing 1619(a) and 1619(b). 1619(a) is cash continuation (reduced SSI payments while working). 1619(b) is Medicaid continuation (after cash payments end). They are sequential, not alternatives.
Not using PASS for resource accumulation toward work goals. A PASS plan can shield income or resources for a specific work goal (vocational training, vehicle, equipment, etc.). This is a powerful but underutilized tool.
Not seeking advocacy help with overpayment notices. If SSA issues an overpayment notice (due to unreported earnings, missed reporting deadlines, or computational errors), the beneficiary has rights to request waiver, reconsideration, or repayment plan. Atlanta Legal Aid, Georgia Legal Services, and Disability Rights Georgia can help.
Not understanding the transition to ACA marketplace when 1619(b) ends. When earnings exceed the CTA (and individualized threshold), 1619(b) ends. The ACA marketplace provides subsidized coverage. Plan ahead so the transition is not abrupt.

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Who qualifies for Section 1619(b) in Georgia?

Working former SSI recipients in Georgia who meet five federal criteria: (1) eligible for SSI in the immediately preceding month; (2) continue to meet SSI eligibility rules except for earnings; (3) need Medicaid to continue working (presumed automatic); (4) gross earned income below the Georgia Charted Threshold Amount of approximately $48,000-$49,000 per year in 2026; and (5) resources within standard SSI limits of $2,000 single / $3,000 couple.

What is the Georgia 1619(b) threshold for 2026?

Approximately $48,000-$49,000 of gross annual earned income for the standard Charted Threshold Amount (CTA). Beneficiaries with high Medicaid utilization (HCBS waiver services, specialty drugs, frequent specialist visits) can request an individualized threshold calculation that can raise the eligibility ceiling substantially higher, sometimes to $60,000-$80,000 or more.

How is Section 1619(b) different from QDWI?

Section 1619(b) is for former SSI (Title XVI) recipients and provides full Medicaid coverage. QDWI is for former SSDI (Title II) recipients with Medicare entitlement under Section 226(b) and pays only the Medicare Part A premium. The income limits, resource limits, and benefits all differ substantially.

How is Section 1619(a) different from Section 1619(b)?

Section 1619(a) provides reduced SSI cash payments for working SSI recipients whose earnings exceed standard SSI thresholds but are below the cash termination point. Section 1619(b) provides continued Medicaid eligibility for working former SSI recipients whose earnings have completely terminated cash payments. They are sequential: a beneficiary typically passes through 1619(a) before entering 1619(b).

Does 1619(b) cover Medicare?

No. Section 1619(b) is for non-Medicare beneficiaries. Beneficiaries who are also entitled to Medicare (through SSDI entitlement at 24 months, or at age 65) typically transition out of 1619(b) to other pathways such as QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI, Pickle, or Medicare Buy-In.

What resources are excluded under 1619(b)?

Standard SSI resource exclusions apply: one principal residence (regardless of value), one vehicle (regardless of value), household goods and personal effects, burial space and a $1,500 burial fund, life insurance with cash value up to $1,500, PASS-excluded resources, property essential to self-support, EITC refunds for 12 months, and certain dedicated accounts.

What are IRWEs and how do they help?

Impairment-Related Work Expenses are expenses an SSI recipient incurs to work because of their disability. Examples include attendant care, medical equipment, prosthetics, residential modifications, routine drugs and medical services for the impairment, and accessibility-related expenses. IRWEs are deducted from gross earned income for SSI/1619(b) calculation purposes, reducing countable earnings.

What are BWEs?

Blind Work Expenses apply only to SSI recipients who are statutorily blind. BWEs include any work-related expense, including transportation, income taxes, mandatory pension contributions, visual aids, and reader services. BWEs are broader than IRWEs and substantially reduce countable earnings for blind 1619(b) beneficiaries.

What is a PASS plan?

A Plan to Achieve Self-Support is an SSA-approved plan under Section 1615 that allows an SSI recipient to set aside income or resources for a specific work-related goal (vocational training, vehicle, equipment, business startup, education, etc.) without those amounts counting toward SSI eligibility. PASS plans are administered through SSA PASS Cadre specialists.

Is Georgia a 1634 state or a 209(b) state?

Georgia is a Section 1634 state. This means federal SSI determinations (including 1619(b) status) automatically establish Georgia Medicaid eligibility through the State Data Exchange (SDX). No separate state-level Medicaid determination is required for 1619(b) beneficiaries.

How do I apply for Section 1619(b)?

You do not separately apply. Section 1619(b) status is established automatically by SSA when you transition from SSI cash status to working with earnings above the cash-termination threshold. You should report all earnings to SSA monthly. SSA tracks your status and transmits changes to Georgia DCH through SDX. You can verify your Medicaid coverage at gateway.ga.gov.

What if my earnings exceed the standard CTA?

Request an individualized threshold calculation from SSA. If your annual Medicaid expenditure exceeds the per-capita amount embedded in the standard CTA, your individualized threshold can be higher (sometimes substantially higher). Contact your local SSA field office or call 1-800-772-1213 to request this calculation.

How do I report earnings to SSA?

Methods include: online at ssa.gov via my Social Security account; by phone at 1-800-772-1213; by mail with pay stubs to your local field office; in person at the local office; or through the SSI mobile wage reporting application. Report monthly earnings by the 10th of the month following the earnings month.

Can I have an inheritance or settlement and stay on 1619(b)?

A lump sum is income in the month received (potentially affecting SSI/1619(b) status that month) and becomes a resource the next month (potentially exceeding the $2,000 single / $3,000 couple resource limit). Spend-down to exempt resources (home repairs, vehicle replacement, burial reserve, etc.) within the same month can preserve eligibility. Consult a benefits counselor or attorney for specific situations.

What happens to 1619(b) if I get married?

Marriage may change resource and income calculations through SSI deeming rules. The new household resource limit becomes $3,000 (couple) rather than $2,000 (single). Spousal income may be deemed to the 1619(b) beneficiary. Report the marriage to SSA promptly.

Can I have employer health insurance and 1619(b)?

Yes. 1619(b) coverage does not affect or replace employer insurance. If you have both Medicaid and employer insurance, Medicaid coordinates as a secondary payer for most services. The presence of employer insurance does not disqualify you from 1619(b).

Does my self-employment income count differently?

Yes. For self-employed 1619(b) beneficiaries, net self-employment income (gross income minus allowable business expenses under IRS Schedule C or SE rules) is used for threshold calculations, not gross income. Maintain careful business expense records and coordinate with a WIPA counselor.

What happens if I lose my job?

If you lose your job and have no earnings, you typically return to standard SSI cash status (assuming you still meet other SSI requirements). 1619(b) is for working former SSI recipients; without earnings, the framework returns to standard SSI. Report job loss to SSA promptly.

Can I move to another state and keep 1619(b)?

Yes, but the new state's CTA applies. CTAs vary substantially by state (e.g., California $58,000, Texas $42,000). Notify SSA of the move and verify Medicaid activation in the new state. In 209(b) states (Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia), additional steps may be required.

When does 1619(b) end?

1619(b) ends when any of the five federal criteria are no longer met: medical recovery (loss of disability), earnings exceeding CTA (and individualized threshold), resources exceeding $2,000/$3,000, loss of citizenship/qualified non-citizen status, or transition to Medicare with corresponding shift to other pathways.

What happens when 1619(b) ends?

You receive notice from SSA and Georgia DCH. You have a special enrollment period for the ACA marketplace (60 days), which provides subsidized coverage for incomes between 138% and 400% FPL. You may also qualify for other pathways such as Pathways to Coverage (Georgia's program for working adults 19-64 below 100% FPL with work requirement) or COBRA continuation through employer coverage.

Does 1619(b) cover long-term care?

Yes. Section 1619(b) provides full Medicaid coverage including long-term services and supports if needed. This includes nursing facility care, home health services, and HCBS waiver services. A 1619(b) beneficiary who needs LTC services receives them on the same terms as any other ABD Medicaid beneficiary.

Does 1619(b) cover my children?

1619(b) coverage is for the individual beneficiary only. Children may be eligible separately under Children's Medicaid or PeachCare based on family income. Apply for children's coverage separately through Georgia Gateway.

How does Pathways to Coverage relate to 1619(b)?

Pathways to Coverage is Georgia's program for working adults 19-64 with incomes below 100% FPL who meet a work or qualifying activity requirement. It is distinct from 1619(b). A working adult below the SSI line who never received SSI cannot qualify for 1619(b) but may qualify for Pathways. A former SSI recipient working above the SSI line uses 1619(b), not Pathways.

Where can I get free help with 1619(b)?

GeorgiaCares (Georgia SHIP) at 1-866-552-4464 provides free Medicare counseling including some 1619(b) information. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) at 1-866-489-0001 helps with vocational planning and PASS development. Atlanta Legal Aid Senior Citizens Law Project at 404-377-0701 and Georgia Legal Services Program at 1-800-498-9469 provide free legal help with applications, denials, and overpayments. Disability Rights Georgia at 404-885-1234 advocates for disabled Georgians on benefits issues.

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::: cta Get Help With Section 1619(b) in Georgia

If you receive SSI and want to return to work without losing Medicaid, Section 1619(b) is the federal protection that makes it possible. These free Georgia and federal resources can help.

State and federal agencies

Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213
Georgia DCH Medicaid Member Services: 1-866-211-0950
Georgia DFCS Customer Service: 1-877-423-4746
Georgia Gateway online: gateway.ga.gov
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Vocational and work incentives

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA): 1-866-489-0001
Georgia Ticket to Work: 1-866-968-7842
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): contact GVRA for referral

Counseling and information

GeorgiaCares (Georgia SHIP): 1-866-552-4464
Georgia Department of Aging Services (ADRC): 1-866-552-4464
Medicare Rights Center: 1-800-333-4114
Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
211 Georgia: dial 2-1-1

Legal advocacy

Atlanta Legal Aid Senior Citizens Law Project: 404-377-0701
Georgia Legal Services Program: 1-800-498-9469
Disability Rights Georgia: 404-885-1234
Justice in Aging: 202-289-6976

Membership and advocacy organizations

AARP Georgia: 1-866-295-7283

Brevy (brevy.com) is a free, family-focused eldercare resource. We help Georgia families understand Medicaid, Medicare, work incentives, and care planning so no one falls through the cracks. :::

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act and Georgia's implementation through the Department of Community Health and the Division of Family and Children Services. It is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice. Federal Charted Threshold Amounts, resource limits, and SSI rules change periodically. The Georgia CTA cited reflects approximate 2026 values; verify current figures with SSA. Individual circumstances vary; consult GeorgiaCares at 1-866-552-4464, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation at 1-866-489-0001, or Atlanta Legal Aid at 404-377-0701 for personalized assistance. Brevy provides educational content at brevy.com and is not a benefits-determination agency.