Depression Benefits in Oregon: How to Apply & What You Can Get

To get federal disability benefits for depression in Oregon, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. Adults qualify if they have a medically determinable mental impairment (like depression) that stops them from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. In 2025, SGA means earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). You also need enough work credits for SSDI (usually 20 in the last 10 years). SSI is for those with low income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a medical review by Oregon’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) after you apply. ^1^3

• Depression must be severe enough to limit your ability to work.
• You must provide medical records and meet income/resource limits for SSI.
• Children with depression may also qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria.

Oregon has its own rules for disability benefits, especially for public safety workers and those with mental health conditions. For example, police and firefighter members of the Oregon Public Service Retirement System (OPSRP) can now qualify for disability if they can’t do their specific job, not just any job. If you get OPSRP disability, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in “irregular or unpredictable” income each month without losing benefits. If you earn more, your benefits stop. Oregon also has Medicaid waivers for people with mental health disabilities, and the state reviews all federal disability applications. ^5^7

• State disability rules may be easier for some jobs (like police/firefighters).
• Oregon’s Medicaid program covers mental health services for eligible residents.
• You must report income changes to avoid overpayments.

• Check if your depression meets SSA medical criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Oregon’s DDS will review your medical info.
• Report any changes in income or health.
• Explore state programs for extra help.

Start here: SSA Disability Application [^1]

• Step 1: Review SSA’s Blue Book (Disability Evaluation Under Social Security) to see if your depression meets the criteria. Depression is listed under Section 12.04 for mental disorders. You need medical proof of symptoms like depressed mood, loss of interest, and functional limitations. ^1
• Step 2: Collect medical records, treatment history, and work history. Include doctor notes, therapy records, and any hospitalizations.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. You can also apply at your local Social Security office. ^1
• Step 4: Oregon’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your medical records. They may ask for more info or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• Step 6: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Apply for Oregon Medicaid, SNAP, or other state programs if needed.

For more help, call Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-673-2372. ^2^4

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with enough work credits and a qualifying disability. Average payment in Oregon is about $1,691/month in 2025. ^1
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with low income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual. ^2
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people with disabilities. Oregon’s Medicaid program covers mental health services. ^3
• SNAP: Food assistance for low-income individuals and families. ^4

• Oregon Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and Community-Based Services for people with mental health disabilities. These waivers help with care at home or in the community. ^5
• Oregon Public Service Retirement System (OPSRP): Disability benefits for public safety workers. Police and firefighters can qualify if they can’t do their specific job. ^6
• ABLE Accounts: Oregon’s ABLE savings program lets people with disabilities save up to $15,060 in 2025 from wages without losing benefits. ^7
• SNAP (Food Stamps): Oregon administers SNAP, but federal funding can be affected by government shutdowns. ^8
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): Free help with applying for benefits and finding local resources. ^9

Oregon’s ABLE savings program lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, you can contribute up to $15,060 from wages, or your total wages, whichever is less. Funds can be used for housing, education, health, and more. ^1

• ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged.
• You must have a qualifying disability before age 26.
• Oregon residents can open an account online at oregonablesavings.com. ^1

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not do substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind). ^1
• SSI: Federal limit is $943/month for an individual, $1,415 for a couple. Oregon may have higher state supplements. ^2
• OPSRP Disability: Can earn up to 10% of previous monthly salary in “irregular or unpredictable” income each month. ^3
• ABLE Accounts: Can save up to $15,060 from wages in 2025. ^1

You must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and Oregon agencies as soon as possible. ^1

• Report new jobs, raises, or changes in disability status.
• Oregon’s ADRC can help you understand reporting rules.
• Overpayments can lead to fines or loss of benefits.

• Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
  Phone: 1-855-673-2372

  Website

  Free help with disability benefits and local resources.

• Can depression qualify for disability in Oregon?

  Yes, depression can qualify for federal SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA medical criteria and stops you from working. Oregon also has state programs for mental health disabilities. You need medical proof and may need to show work history for SSDI.

• How much can I earn while on disability in Oregon?

  For SSDI, you can’t earn more than $1,620/month in 2025. For OPSRP disability, you can earn up to 10% of your previous monthly salary in irregular income. For SSI, income limits are lower.

• What is the process for applying for disability in Oregon?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, gather medical records, and Oregon’s DDS will review your case. You may need to provide more info or attend an exam. Appeals are possible if denied.

• What state programs help people with depression in Oregon?

  Oregon offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, SNAP, and support through ADRC. Police and firefighters may have special disability rules.

• How do I avoid overpayments on disability benefits?

  Report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Oregon agencies as soon as possible. Overpayments can lead to fines or loss of benefits.

• Can I save money while on disability in Oregon?

  Yes, Oregon’s ABLE accounts let you save up to $15,060 from wages in 2025 without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for housing, education, and more.