If you have depression that limits your ability to work, you may qualify for federal and Kentucky state benefits. These include SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with depression, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the term "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) to set income limits. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings are above these limits, you generally cannot qualify for SSDI or SSI based on disability alone.
Depression must meet SSA's medical criteria, which include symptoms like persistent sadness, loss of interest, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis and how it limits your daily activities and ability to work. If you have worked enough and paid Social Security taxes, you may qualify for SSDI. If your income and resources are low, you may qualify for SSI.
Children with severe depression may also qualify for benefits if their condition limits their activities and meets SSA's rules [6].
In Kentucky, people with depression may qualify for Medicaid, which covers mental health services. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and resources, and having a disability can help you qualify. Kentucky also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide extra support for people with mental health conditions.
If you receive disability retirement benefits from Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA), applying for Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation may affect your KPPA benefits. You must report any changes in your situation to KPPA to avoid overpayments. Kentucky does not have a separate state disability program, so most people apply for federal SSI or SSDI [4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Kentucky offers ABLE accounts through the KY ABLE program. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and health care [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $914 for an individual. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620/month for non-blind and $2,700/month for blind. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors [1][8].
You must report changes in income, work status, or medical condition to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you do not report changes, you may have to repay benefits. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
WellCare of Kentucky members can get free help applying for SSI/SSDI from Centauri Health Solutions. Call 1-866-454-0411 for support.
Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You may also qualify for Medicaid and other state programs.
The maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $914/month. SSDI payments depend on your work history. Medicaid covers health care costs but does not provide cash payments.
You need medical records from your doctor or mental health provider that show your diagnosis, symptoms, and how depression limits your daily activities and ability to work.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. In 2025, this is $1,620/month for non-blind and $2,700/month for blind. Work incentives can help you keep benefits if you try to work.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. You can also get free help from Centauri Health Solutions at 1-866-454-0411 if you are a WellCare of Kentucky member.
If your condition improves and you can work, you must report this to Social Security. Your benefits may stop, but work incentives like Expedited Reinstatement can help you get benefits back if your income drops.
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, children with severe depression may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition limits their activities and meets SSA's rules. Benefits for children stop at age 18 unless they have a qualifying disability.
Yes, you must report changes in income, work status, or medical condition to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Not reporting changes can result in having to repay benefits.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require that your depression prevents you from working.
Yes, Kentucky Medicaid covers mental health services for people with disabilities. You can apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov.
