Depression Benefits in Missouri: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to depression, your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months and meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. Depression is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under mental disorders, and you must meet specific medical criteria to qualify. The SSA reviews your medical records, work history, and how your depression affects daily life. If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicare or Medicaid.

• SSDI: Paid to those who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• SSI: Paid to those with limited income and resources.
• Both programs require proof of disability and inability to work.

SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

In Missouri, people with depression may also qualify for state benefits like MO HealthNet (Medicaid), food assistance (SNAP), and vocational rehabilitation. MO HealthNet covers mental health services, including therapy and medication. To qualify for MO HealthNet, your income must be below certain limits, which are updated yearly. Missouri also offers the MO ABLE program, allowing people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. Work incentives are available to help you return to work without losing benefits. If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you may automatically qualify for MO HealthNet. Contact your local Family Support Division (FSD) office for more information on state benefits.

• MO HealthNet: Covers mental health services.
• SNAP: Provides food assistance.
• MO ABLE: Allows savings without losing benefits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps with job training and employment.

MO HealthNet Income Limits (accessed 2025-11-06), MO ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Complete the online application at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Apply for MO HealthNet at MyDSS.mo.gov or your local FSD office.
• Contact Vocational Rehabilitation for work support.
• Consider an ABLE account for savings.

Start here: SSA Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how depression affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Gather work history and Social Security number.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
• Step 4: If approved for SSDI or SSI, apply for MO HealthNet at MyDSS.mo.gov or your local FSD office.
• Step 5: Contact Vocational Rehabilitation for job training and employment support.
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account for savings.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments.

SSA Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-06), MO HealthNet Application (accessed 2025-11-06), Vocational Rehabilitation (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for those receiving SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for those with low income, often automatic with SSI.
• Ticket to Work: Program to help return to work without losing benefits.

SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)

• MO HealthNet (Medicaid): Covers mental health services, including therapy and medication.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Provides food assistance.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Job training and employment support.
• MO ABLE Program: Allows savings without losing benefits.
• State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): For children with disabilities.
• Family Support Division (FSD): Administers MO HealthNet and SNAP.

MO HealthNet (accessed 2025-11-06), MO ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06), Vocational Rehabilitation (accessed 2025-11-06)

The MO ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like therapy, education, and housing. Opening an ABLE account does not affect your eligibility for SSDI, SSI, or MO HealthNet.

MO ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)

In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. MO HealthNet income limits vary by household size. For a household of 1, the limit is $1,692 per month.

SSA SGA Limit (accessed 2025-11-06), MO HealthNet Income Limits (accessed 2025-11-06)

If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA and FSD as soon as possible. Keep records of all communications.

SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06), FSD Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.
• Missouri Family Support Division
  Phone: 1-855-373-4636

  Website

  For MO HealthNet and SNAP applications.
• Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation
  Phone: 1-800-592-6004

  Website

  For job training and employment support.

• Can depression qualify for disability benefits in Missouri?

  Yes, depression can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA’s medical criteria. You must provide medical records and show how depression affects daily life.

• What is the SGA limit for depression in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI benefits.

• How do I apply for SSDI or SSI in Missouri?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You’ll need medical records and work history.

• What state benefits are available for depression in Missouri?

  Missouri offers MO HealthNet (Medicaid), SNAP, vocational rehabilitation, and the MO ABLE program. MO HealthNet covers mental health services.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for depression?

  Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Work incentives help you return to work without losing benefits.

• How much does disability pay for depression in Missouri?

  The maximum SSDI payment in Missouri is $4,555 per month. SSI payments are up to $943 per month for an individual.

• What is the MO ABLE program?

  The MO ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses.