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Alabama • Mental Health
If you have depression in Alabama, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and other support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits for depression, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. Depression is listed under Section 12.04 of the SSA Blue Book. You must show that your depression causes severe limitations in daily living, social functioning, or concentration, and that it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. You must also meet work and income requirements for SSDI or SSI. For SSDI, you need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals (or $2,700 if blind) [5].
In Alabama, depression may qualify you for Medicaid if you also receive SSI or meet financial and medical criteria. Alabama Medicaid offers mental health services, including therapy and medication management. Home and Community-Based Waivers may be available for those with severe depression who need extra support at home. Alabama also has work incentives programs to help you keep benefits while working. The state does not have a separate disability application; you apply through the SSA for SSDI/SSI, and Medicaid eligibility is often linked to SSI status [2][8].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Alabama residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program [3].
In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. Earning above these limits may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits. SSI has additional income and resource limits. For exact numbers, use the SSI Income Estimator tool [5].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Alabama Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, contact the SSA or Alabama Medicaid to set up a repayment plan. Always keep records of your reports and communications [8].
Contact Alabama’s Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Program for free benefits counseling. They can help you understand your options and keep benefits while working.
Yes, depression can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets SSA criteria. You must show that your depression causes severe limitations and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months. Medical records and doctor statements are required [5].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. You’ll need medical records and work history. If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama [3].
Alabama Medicaid covers therapy, medication management, and other mental health services for eligible residents. SSI recipients often qualify automatically. Home and Community-Based Waivers may be available for extra support [2].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Work incentives programs can help you keep benefits while working [5][8].
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. Earning above these limits may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits [5].
If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. Otherwise, you can apply through Alabama Medicaid. You must meet financial and medical criteria [2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Alabama residents can open an account through the state’s program [3].
If denied, request a reconsideration and appeal if needed. You can get help from a disability advocate or attorney. Alabama has resources for appeals and benefits counseling [3].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to the SSA and Alabama Medicaid. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. Always keep records of your reports and communications [8].
This program offers free benefits counseling for SSDI and SSI recipients. It helps you understand how work affects your benefits and how to keep them while working [8].
