If you have depression in Indiana, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, as well as state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with depression, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. You must show that your depression is medically documented, lasts at least 12 months, and prevents you from doing your past work or any other job. You also need to meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/asset limits for SSI. For SSDI, you generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and assets must be below certain limits. Depression is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under mental disorders, but even if not listed, you may still qualify if your symptoms are severe enough.
Citations: [5] https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
In Indiana, state employees may be eligible for Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits if they are unable to work due to depression. These programs provide income replacement and insurance premium continuation. To qualify, you must submit a disability claim with medical documentation. The state’s disability program is separate from federal SSI/SSDI and is designed to bridge the gap until you recover or qualify for federal benefits. Indiana also offers Medicaid to low-income individuals with disabilities, including those with depression. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and may provide access to home and community-based services through waivers. If you are not a state employee, your main options are federal SSI/SSDI and Medicaid.
Citations: [3] https://www.in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
Citations: [5] https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, [3] https://www.in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
Get Medical Documentation: See your doctor and get a detailed report of your depression, including diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your daily activities and work.
Apply for Federal Benefits: Go to SSA.gov and apply for SSI or SSDI. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records. The SSA will review your application and may ask for more information or a medical exam.
Apply for State Disability (if a state employee): If you work for the state of Indiana, complete the Employee's Statement of Claim, Employee's Authorization for Release of Medical Information, and Options Statement. Your doctor must also complete a form. Submit these to your employer’s disability office.
Apply for Medicaid: If you have low income and assets, apply for Indiana Medicaid through the state’s online portal or local office. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and may provide access to home and community-based services.
Report Changes: If your health or income changes, report it to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
Follow Up: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Citations: [5] https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, [3] https://www.in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
Federal programs for depression in Indiana include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and assets. Both programs require that your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise to $1,530 per month, allowing you to earn more while still receiving benefits. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is 2.5%, which will increase benefit amounts.
Citations: [1] https://disabilitylawgroup.com/blog/2025-ssdi-proposed-changes-and-how-they-could-impact-you/, [2] https://parmeledisability.com/blog/social-security/social-security-disability-changes-for-2025/
Indiana offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits for state employees who are unable to work due to depression. These programs provide income replacement and insurance premium continuation. To apply, you must submit a disability claim with medical documentation. The state’s disability program is separate from federal SSI/SSDI and is designed to bridge the gap until you recover or qualify for federal benefits. Indiana also offers Medicaid to low-income individuals with disabilities, including those with depression. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and may provide access to home and community-based services through waivers. If you are not a state employee, your main options are federal SSI/SSDI and Medicaid.
Citations: [3] https://www.in.gov/spd/benefits/disability-and-workers-compensation/
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Indiana, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are limited, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses do not affect federal benefits. ABLE accounts can help with costs like therapy, transportation, and assistive technology.
Citations: [6] https://www.hanleydisability.com/supplemental-security-income-indiana/
For SSDI in 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month. For blind individuals, it is expected to be $2,550 per month. For SSI, income and asset limits are lower and vary by state. In Indiana, the SSI income limit for an individual is about $943 per month in 2025, but this can change based on other income and resources.
Citations: [1] https://disabilitylawgroup.com/blog/2025-ssdi-proposed-changes-and-how-they-could-impact-you/, [2] https://parmeledisability.com/blog/social-security/social-security-disability-changes-for-2025/
You must report any changes in your health, income, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than the SGA limit, get other benefits, or recover from your disability. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact SSA or Medicaid to discuss repayment options.
Citations: [2] https://parmeledisability.com/blog/social-security/social-security-disability-changes-for-2025/
Contact your local Social Security office or Indiana Disability Services for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI. Indiana also offers state disability benefits for state employees and Medicaid for low-income individuals with disabilities.
In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be $1,530 per month. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits. For SSI, income limits are lower and vary by state.
You need a diagnosis from a doctor, treatment records, and documentation showing how depression limits your daily activities and ability to work. The SSA may also require a medical exam.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. In 2025, this is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning more may affect your benefits.
If you are a state employee, complete the Employee's Statement of Claim, Employee's Authorization for Release of Medical Information, and Options Statement. Your doctor must also complete a form. Submit these to your employer’s disability office.
SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require that your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, if you have low income and assets, you can apply for Indiana Medicaid. Medicaid can help cover medical costs and may provide access to home and community-based services through waivers.
Medicaid waivers in Indiana can help people with depression get long-term care and support services. These waivers may cover therapy, case management, and other services not covered by regular Medicaid.
Report any changes in your health, income, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay.
Yes, ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Indiana, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses.
