Depression Benefits in Minnesota: 2025 Guide

To get federal disability benefits for depression, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your depression must be severe enough to keep you from working for at least 12 months. You must also meet income and asset rules for SSI, or have enough work credits for SSDI. Social Security reviews medical records, work history, and how your depression affects daily life. If approved, you may get monthly payments and health coverage through Medicaid or Medicare.

• SSI is for people with low income and assets.
• SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both programs require proof of disability from a doctor.
• Children with depression may qualify for benefits if the disability started before age 22.

Citations: [3], [4]

In Minnesota, people with depression may qualify for state programs like Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, and Housing Support. These programs help with health care, cash, and housing costs. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and disability status. Minnesota also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities that began before age 46. These accounts let you save money without losing benefits.

• Medical Assistance (MA) covers health care for low-income people with disabilities.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid gives extra cash to people on SSI.
• Housing Support helps with rent and utilities.
• ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or MA.

State law changes in 2025 affect health insurance for public safety workers with duty disabilities. Most will now get five years of coverage, not until age 65. Total and permanent duty disabilities still get coverage until age 65.

Citations: [1], [2], [4]

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for state benefits like Medical Assistance and Minnesota Supplemental Aid.
• Contact Disability Hub MN for help with applications and planning.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and state programs. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check if you qualify.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and other documents. Ask your doctor for a statement about your depression.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Minnesota Supplemental Aid online at MNBenefits.org or by phone at 1-800-657-3672.
• Step 5: If you need help, contact Disability Hub MN. They offer free expert help with applications and planning.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If you are denied, you can appeal. Ask Disability Hub MN for help with appeals.

Citations: [3], [4], [2]

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash for people with low income and assets.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after 24 months.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Food help for low-income people.
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Rent help for low-income people.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities.

Citations: [3], [4]

• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Covers therapy, medications, and more.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid: Extra cash for people on SSI.
• Housing Support: Help with rent and utilities for people with disabilities.
• Disability Hub MN: Free expert help with benefits, planning, and appeals.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings for people with disabilities that began before age 46.
• State Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term disability pay for some workers.
• Public Safety Disability Benefits: Health insurance for peace officers and firefighters with duty disabilities.

Citations: [1], [2], [4], [6]

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Minnesota, you can open an ABLE account if your disability began before age 46. You can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, and up to $16,000 per year. Funds can be used for housing, education, health care, and more. Learn more at Disability Hub MN.

Citations: [2], [4]

Federal and state programs have income and asset limits. For SSI in 2025, the limit is $943/month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025. State programs like Medical Assistance and Minnesota Supplemental Aid have their own limits. Check MNBenefits.org for current rules.

Citations: [2], [3], [4]

You must report changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and state agencies as soon as possible. Disability Hub MN can help you understand reporting rules and avoid overpayments.

Citations: [4]

• Disability Hub MN
  Phone: 1-866-333-2466

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  Website

  Free statewide resource for people with disabilities

• Can depression qualify for disability benefits in Minnesota?

  Yes, if your depression is severe enough to keep you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet Social Security’s rules and provide medical proof. State programs also cover depression if you meet income and disability rules.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for depression?

  SSI is for people with low income and assets. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require proof of disability. SSI has strict income limits, SSDI does not.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for depression in Minnesota?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. Apply for state benefits like Medical Assistance and Minnesota Supplemental Aid at MNBenefits.org. Contact Disability Hub MN for help.

• What state programs help with depression in Minnesota?

  Minnesota offers Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Minnesota Supplemental Aid, Housing Support, and ABLE accounts. These programs help with health care, cash, housing, and savings for people with disabilities.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for depression?

  Yes, but there are limits. You cannot earn more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025 for SSDI. SSI has strict income limits. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while working.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help with depression?

  An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $100,000 without losing SSI, and up to $16,000 per year. Funds can be used for housing, education, health care, and more.