Depression Benefits in Tennessee: 2025 Guide

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough to earn work credits and have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you need low income and few resources, and your condition must also stop you from working for 12+ months. Depression can qualify if it is severe enough to meet Social Security’s definition of disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how your depression affects your ability to work, do daily tasks, and interact with others. You must provide medical records and other proof of your condition and its impact[1][2][9].

In Tennessee, people with depression may also qualify for state programs that help with care, housing, and family needs. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including mental health conditions, stay together at home. Services can include respite care, home modifications, and personal assistance. The Katie Beckett program helps children under 18 with complex medical needs, including severe depression, get medical care if their parents’ income is too high for regular TennCare. Tennessee also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help adults with depression live independently[3][4][5].

1. Gather medical records and work history.
2. Decide if you need SSI (based on income) or SSDI (based on work history).
3. Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
4. List all your symptoms, treatments, and how depression affects your daily life.
5. Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for more information[1][7].

• Step 1: Collect medical records, treatment history, and work history. Include notes from doctors, therapists, and hospitals.
• Step 2: Decide if you need SSI (low income) or SSDI (work history). Use the SSI vs SSDI guide to help decide[1][2].
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You can also ask for help from a disability advocate or legal aid group.
• Step 4: Fill out the application carefully. List all symptoms, treatments, and how depression affects your ability to work and do daily tasks.
• Step 5: Submit all required documents. The SSA may ask for more information or a medical exam.
• Step 6: Wait for a decision. The process can take several months. If denied, you can appeal.
• Step 7: If approved, you may also qualify for state programs like Family Support or Medicaid waivers. Apply for these separately[1][2][3][4][7].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Amount depends on your work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and few resources. Amount depends on your income and living situation.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those who get SSI[5][9].

• Family Support Program: State-funded help for families with children or adults with severe disabilities, including depression. Services can include respite care, home modifications, personal assistance, and more. Maximum benefit is $6,000 per person per year[3][4].
• Katie Beckett Program: For children under 18 with complex medical needs, including severe depression. Helps pay for medical care not covered by private insurance or regular TennCare[4].
• Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices: Medicaid waiver program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but some services may help adults with depression who need support to live independently[4].
• TennCare: Tennessee’s Medicaid program. Covers health care for low-income people with disabilities, including mental health services[5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for housing, education, health care, and other needs. Tennessee residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program[4].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for an individual. SSDI payments depend on your work history, with a maximum of $4,018 per month. State programs like Family Support have their own income rules. Check with the program for details[2][3].

If you get too much money from SSI or SSDI, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, living situation, or work to the SSA right away. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for help[4].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SSI or SSDI, get help with benefits.
• Tennessee Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-866-311-4287

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for state programs like Family Support and Medicaid.

• Can depression qualify for disability benefits in Tennessee?

  Yes, if your depression is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical proof and show how it affects your daily life[1][2][9].

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

  Gather medical records and work history, decide if you need SSI or SSDI, and apply online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. List all symptoms and treatments[1][7].

• What state programs help with depression in Tennessee?

  Tennessee offers the Family Support Program, Katie Beckett program, and Medicaid waivers. These can help with care, housing, and medical needs for people with depression[3][4][5].

• How much money can I get from disability for depression in Tennessee?

  SSI pays up to $967 per month in 2025. SSDI pays based on your work history, up to $4,018 per month. State programs have their own limits[2][3].

• Can I work while getting disability for depression in Tennessee?

  Yes, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,550 per month for non-blind people. Work incentives let you test returning to work without losing benefits right away[1][2].

• What if my disability application is denied in Tennessee?

  You can appeal the decision. Ask for a reconsideration, then a hearing if needed. Get help from a disability advocate or legal aid group if you need it[1][7].