Depression Benefits in Florida: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with depression, your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of medical conditions called the Blue Book. Depression is listed under Section 12.04, Depressive, Bipolar and Related Disorders. You must meet specific criteria, such as having symptoms like poor concentration, loss of interest, or suicidal thoughts, and these must seriously limit your ability to work or do daily activities. You also must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [6]. If you meet these rules, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI [6].

In Florida, eligibility for disability benefits is based on federal rules, but the state also offers extra programs. The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical evidence to decide if you qualify for federal disability programs. Florida is also launching a Medicaid buy-in program for working people with disabilities in 2025. This program will help people who work but earn too much for regular Medicaid. It will let them buy Medicaid coverage based on their income, so they can keep working and still get health care [2]. Florida also has Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities who need extra support at home or in the community [4].

• Check if your depression meets SSA criteria for disability.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If you work and earn over SSI limits, look into Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers if you need extra help at home.

• Step 1: Review the SSA’s Blue Book listing for depression (Section 12.04). Make sure your symptoms and medical records match the criteria [6].
• Step 2: Collect your medical records, including doctor notes, therapy records, and any hospital visits related to depression.
• Step 3: Get your work history and recent pay stubs. This helps show your earnings and work credits.
• Step 4: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid at your local Department of Children and Families office or online at ACCESS Florida.
• Step 5: If you work and earn more than SSI limits, check if you qualify for Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program for working people with disabilities. This program will launch in 2025 and may help you keep health coverage while working [2].
• Step 6: If you need extra support at home, ask about Florida’s Medicaid waivers. These can help pay for home care, therapy, and other services [4].
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income or health to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to depression. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [6].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have depression. The SGA limit is the same as SSDI [6].
• Medicare: Most people on SSDI get Medicare after 24 months. People with ALS or end-stage renal disease get it right away [5].

• Medicaid: Florida offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits. In 2025, Florida is launching a Medicaid buy-in program for working people with disabilities. This will let people who earn too much for regular Medicaid buy coverage based on their income [2].
• Medicaid Waivers: Florida has several Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities. These can help pay for home care, therapy, and other services. Ask your local Medicaid office about waivers for mental health or developmental disabilities [4].
• ABLE Accounts: Florida offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [4].
• Special Needs Shelters: If you need help during emergencies, Florida has special needs shelters for people with disabilities. Register with your local emergency management office [4].

Florida offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These let you save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for things like housing, education, and health care. To open an ABLE account, visit the Florida ABLE website or talk to your bank [4].

• SSDI/SSI SGA Limit (2025): $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, $2,700 for blind individuals [6].
• Medicaid Income Limits: Vary by program. For the new Medicaid buy-in program, premiums and cost-sharing will be based on income [2].
• ABLE Account Limit: $17,000 per year [4].

If your income or health changes, you must report it to the SSA and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports and changes [5].

• Florida Department of Health - Division of Disability Determinations
  Phone: 1-866-795-4273

  Website

  For medical eligibility for disability benefits
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions
• Florida Department of Children and Families
  Phone: 1-866-762-2237

  Website

  For Medicaid applications and questions

• Can I get disability benefits for depression in Florida?

  Yes, if your depression is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA criteria. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Florida also offers Medicaid and other programs for people with disabilities [6].

• What are the income limits for depression benefits in Florida?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Medicaid income limits vary by program. Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program will base premiums on income [6][2].

• How do I apply for depression benefits in Florida?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply at your local Department of Children and Families office or online at ACCESS Florida. Ask about Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support [6][4].

• Can I work and still get depression benefits in Florida?

  Yes, if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program will let working people with disabilities buy Medicaid coverage based on income. This helps you keep health care while working [2][6].

• What is Florida’s new Medicaid buy-in program for people with disabilities?

  Florida is launching a Medicaid buy-in program in 2025 for working people with disabilities. It will let people who earn too much for regular Medicaid buy coverage based on their income. This helps people work, save, and keep health care [2].

• What are Medicaid waivers in Florida?