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Washington • Mental Health
If you live with depression in Washington, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and the state’s Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to find more help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) due to depression, you must have a severe medical condition—including severe depression—that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. SSDI requires a work history with enough Social Security credits, while SSI is based on limited income and resources, not work history[3][1]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must determine that your depression significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities. For SSDI, most applicants need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, but younger people may qualify with fewer credits[1][3]. If you are working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), you generally cannot get benefits[1]. The SSA recognizes that mental health conditions like depression can fluctuate; ongoing medical treatment and documentation are key to proving eligibility.
Washington offers additional help through the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program. To qualify, you must be at least 18, have a physical or mental disability (including depression) that prevents work for at least 12 months, meet income and resource limits, and not already receive SSI or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)[4][6]. ABD is meant as a bridge while you apply for federal benefits. You must cooperate with the SSI application process to keep ABD. Nearly a third of ABD recipients have a mental health disability, so depression is a recognized qualifying condition[2]. Washington’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates medical evidence for both state and federal programs[7]. If you are homeless or have very low income, you may get priority help. State Medicaid waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, or HCBS) may also cover mental health supports not included in standard Medicaid—check local resources for details.
Applying for disability benefits for depression in Washington involves several steps:
For SSI/SSDI:
For Washington ABD:
The main federal programs for people with depression are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI provides monthly payments to low-income adults and children with disabilities, including severe depression. SSDI pays benefits to adults who have a work history and have paid into Social Security. Both programs require that your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months[1][3]. The basic SSI payment in 2025 is $967/month for individuals, but Washington may add a small state supplement[5]. SSDI payments depend on your past earnings.
Medicaid is also available if you qualify for SSI, providing health coverage that includes mental health services. Medicare becomes available after 24 months of SSDI benefits.
Washington offers several state-specific supports for people with disabilities, including mental health conditions like depression:
Washington does not have a separate state disability insurance program for non-work-related conditions; most financial support comes from federal programs supplemented by state assistance for those with very low incomes.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Washington residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. Savings in these accounts do not count toward SSI’s resource limit (currently $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples).
SSI and ABD have strict income and resource limits. For SSI in 2025, individuals can have up to $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples). Income limits are complex; part of your earned and unearned income may be excluded. For ABD, limits are similar but check Washington’s detailed rules (WAC 388-478-0090). Both programs count most cash, bank accounts, and some property toward the limit.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money by mistake, you may have to pay it back. ABD recipients in Washington do not have to repay benefits once they start receiving SSI, thanks to a 2023 law change—though the state may still require repayment through October 2025 if you get ABD and then SSI before that date[2]. Always report changes promptly to avoid penalties.
Many people with depression are denied benefits at first, especially if their medical records aren’t complete. You can appeal, and Washington’s ABD program can help with basics while you fight for SSI or SSDI. Consider legal aid or an advocate for help with appeals and paperwork.
More than half of Washington’s ABD recipients have a mental health disability. Depression is a recognized condition for both state and federal benefits. If you’re struggling, reach out—help is available, and you deserve support.
If you earn more than $1,550/month (2025), you generally cannot get SSDI or SSI. However, brief work attempts that fail due to your disability (“unsuccessful work attempts”) may not disqualify you. Always report your earnings honestly[1].
You can appeal. Many people are denied at first, especially for mental health conditions. Consider getting help from a legal aid group or disability advocate. In Washington, you may be eligible for ABD while you appeal[6].
It often takes several months—sometimes over a year—to get a decision. ABD can help cover basic needs while you wait[2].
Washington offers a small State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, but the amount is limited. The main SSI payment comes from the federal government[5].
Yes. Many ABD recipients in Washington are homeless. You can apply for SSI, SSDI, or ABD even if you don’t have a fixed address[2].
Provide medical records, treatment notes, and statements from mental health providers. The more detailed your medical evidence, the better your chances[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Program rules and benefits may change. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
Yes. The ABD program refers you to Housing and Essential Needs (HEN), which can help with rent, utilities, and basics while you wait for SSI[4][6].
Washington’s ABD program assigns a facilitator to help you apply for SSI. You can also contact your local Social Security office or a legal aid group for assistance[6].
A 2023 law ended the requirement to repay ABD once you qualify for SSI, but as of 2025, the state may still require repayment for applications processed before October 2025[2]. Check the latest guidance.
You may qualify for Medicaid, food assistance, and subsidized housing. Washington also has paid family and medical leave for eligible workers[9][10].
