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Utah • Mental Health
If you have depression in Utah, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what changed in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with depression, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses criteria in its Blue Book (Listing 12.04 for Depressive Disorders). You must have medical proof, such as treatment records and doctor statements. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Both programs require that your depression prevents you from doing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for most people, or $2,700/month if you are blind [3].
Children with depression may qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits and their condition meets SSA criteria [5]. Adults with depression that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased [5].
In Utah, Medicaid covers mental health services for people with depression who meet income and disability criteria. You may qualify if you receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits, or if the State Medicaid Medical Review Board determines your disability. Utah’s Medicaid programs for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled include coverage for therapy, medication, and other services. If you are not on SSI or SSDI, the state board can still decide if you are disabled based on medical evidence, without considering your work status [4].
Utah also offers Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for people with mental health disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services. Eligibility for these waivers depends on your income, assets, and level of need. The state may have waiting lists for some waivers, so apply early [4].
Utah ABLE accounts let people with depression save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can contribute up to $19,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. Learn more at Utah ABLE or contact the Utah State Treasurer’s office [6].
Report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much, you may have to pay it back. Use work incentives like the Trial Work Period to test work without losing benefits. Report changes online, by phone, or in person at Social Security or Medicaid offices [3].
Yes, depression can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA criteria. You need medical proof and must show it prevents you from working. Utah Medicaid also covers mental health services for eligible residents [5][4].
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) without losing SSDI benefits. SSI has lower income limits. Report all earnings to avoid overpayments [3][5].
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620/month for most people, or $2,700/month if you are blind. Earning above this may stop SSDI benefits, but work incentives let you test work without losing benefits [3][5].
Apply online at Apply.Utah.gov or through the Department of Workforce Services. You may qualify if you receive SSI or SSDI, or if the state board determines your disability. Medicaid covers therapy, medication, and more [4].
Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide home and community-based services for people with mental health disabilities. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and need. Contact DSPD for details [4].
Yes, you can work and keep benefits using work incentives like the Trial Work Period. Earnings above SGA may stop benefits, but you can test work without losing eligibility [3][5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The 2025 COLA increase is 2.5%. This means SSDI and SSI payments will be higher to keep up with inflation [1].
Report changes online, by phone, or in person at Social Security or Medicaid offices. This includes changes in income, work, or health. Reporting helps avoid overpayments [3].
An ABLE account lets people with depression save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $19,000 per year in 2025. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses [6].
Yes, SNAP provides food assistance for low-income people, including those with depression. Utah has lower participation rates, so apply if you need help [2].
