ADHD is considered to be a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Those with severe ADHD who are unable to work can be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits from the SSA.
This article will outline the steps you’ll need to take to apply for disability benefits with ADHD and give you the best chance of approval for you or your child.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for ADHD
1. Connect with a Disability Lawyer
Connecting with a disability lawyer is the first step to a successful application and increases your chances of receiving benefits for ADHD.
A lawyer specializing in Social Security Disability cases can guide you through the application process, helping you understand the specific criteria the SSA uses to evaluate ADHD claims.
They can also help gather the necessary medical documentation and ensure your application is complete and accurately reflects your condition.
If your initial application is denied, your lawyer will represent you during the appeals process, giving you the best possible chance of success.
We understand that you may be dealing with a severe condition and a disability lawyer can assist in simplifying the application process, relieving you of much of the stress.
2. Understanding Disability Criteria
An ADHD diagnosis, in and of itself, is not enough to qualify for disability benefits. As a child, you must have had measurable functional impairments (which show up as recurring poor performance in school).
You must also meet the requirements of both Paragraph A and Paragraph B below that are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under section 112.11.
Paragraph A
You must possess acceptable medical documentation which finds that you have all three of the following symptoms:
- Marked inattention
- Marked impulsiveness
- Marked hyperactivity
Paragraph B
You must possess acceptable supporting documentation that shows you have at least two of the three following conditions, resulting from ADHD:
- Marked impairment in age-appropriate cognitive/communication function
- Marked impairment in age-appropriate social functioning
- Marked impairment in age-appropriate personal functioning
Connecting with a disability lawyer or advocate can accelerate this process as they’ll be able to tell you exactly what medical evidence you’ll need to collect and get you the best chance for approval.
3. Collecting Medical Evidence & Documentation
Collecting detailed medical evidence is crucial for a successful ADHD disability claim. This includes detailed medical records from your doctors that document your diagnosis, treatment history, and the severity of your symptoms.
Psychological evaluations, neuropsychological tests, and detailed notes from your doctor can help show the SSA how ADHD affects your daily functioning.
Gathering statements from professionals like therapists, teachers, or employers who have observed your struggles with ADHD can further support your case.
The more thorough and detailed your documentation, the stronger your application will be. A disability lawyer will be able to tell you exactly what medical evidence you’ll need for you or your child and will be able to help present them in a favorable way to the SSA.
4. Complete & Submit Application
When you're ready to apply for disability benefits for ADHD, ensure that you carefully complete all sections of the SSA's application forms.
This includes providing medical documentation, details about your work history, and detailed descriptions of how ADHD affects your ability to work and perform daily activities. Double-check that all required documents and medical evidence are included before submitting your application.
The SSA offers an online application, or you can apply by phone or in person at your local Social Security office. Your disability attorney will help ensure your application is thoroughly and accurately filled out to avoid any delays or denial.
5. Application Tracking & Follow Up
After submitting your application, it's important to track its progress and follow up with the SSA if needed.
You can check the status of your claim online or by contacting the SSA directly. Staying on top of your application's status allows you to address any requests for additional information promptly and ensures that your claim continues moving through the system without unnecessary delays.
If the SSA asks for more documentation or schedules a consultative exam, responding quickly can help keep your application on track.
Your lawyer will help track your application progress for you and can retrieve additional medical documentation if the SSA requests it or gives you next steps in the process.
6. Appealing Upon Denial
Because the determination of an ADHD diagnosis is quite subjective, it can be difficult to win disability benefits based solely on this condition.
The determination of disability relies to a great extent on the opinions of those who have contributed to your historical documentation, such as teachers and employers.
As individual opinions, based on personal observations made long before the time of the disability case review, can often vary greatly and are always open to interpretation, they provide a far weaker foundation for an SSDI claim than objective physical and medical evidence.
If your ADHD disability claim is denied, don't be discouraged—many initial claims are denied, and the appeals process offers another opportunity to get benefits.
You typically have 60 days from the date of the denial notice to file an appeal. During the appeals process, a disability lawyer can help you to gather additional evidence, prepare for hearings, and present a stronger case.
The appeals process may include a reconsideration of your claim, a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ), and further appeals if necessary.
ADHD Benefits FAQs
Can Adults Get Disability Benefits for ADHD?
The fact that ADHD always begins in early childhood is important because while ADHD is listed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) under Section 112.11 of the Blue Book, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the listing applies to children.
There is no similar section for adults. If you are able to prove that you have had ADHD since childhood, and if you can show that this condition has impaired your ability to do schoolwork as a child and to be gainfully employed as an adult, your condition may be considered severe enough to apply for ADHD disability benefits.
So yes, adults can receive disability benefits for ADHD, but it can be challenging to qualify. For adults, proving that ADHD causes limitations in areas like attention, concentration, social interaction, and task completion is essential.
If your ADHD prevents you from maintaining employment or managing daily responsibilities effectively, you may be eligible for benefits.
A thorough application with strong medical evidence is needed for adults seeking disability benefits for ADHD. If you connect with a disability lawyer, they’ll be able to tell you if you’ll be able to qualify as an adult.
How Much Money Can You Receive for ADHD Benefits?
The monthly benefit amount is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began.
In 2024, the maximum SSDI benefit is $3,882 per month, although the exact amount you receive will depend on your specific earnings record and the severity of your disability.
This amount may vary depending on your state's supplemental payments and any other income you receive.
Consulting with a disability lawyer can help you determine exactly how much you may be eligible to receive based on your unique situation.
Take our free case evaluation at the top of the page to see if you’re eligible.
How can I improve my chances of getting approved for ADHD benefits?
Provide detailed medical records, psychological evaluations, and statements from healthcare providers and others familiar with your condition. Working with a disability lawyer can also increase your chances.
How long does the application process take?
The process can take several months, depending on the complexity of your case and whether additional documentation is needed. Following up regularly with the SSA can help keep your application on track.
Can I work part-time while receiving ADHD disability benefits?
Yes, you can work part-time, but your earnings must stay below the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024. Earning above this limit may disqualify you from receiving benefits.
How does the SSA evaluate ADHD in adults differently from children?
The SSA evaluates adults and children differently. For adults, the focus is on how ADHD impacts your ability to work and manage everyday tasks, while for children, the focus is on developmental milestones and academic performance.
