Yes, you can get Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it’s not easy. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize ADHD as a condition that can qualify for disability benefits. However, having an ADHD diagnosis alone is not enough. You must prove that your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working and earning a living wage.
While many adults with ADHD lead productive working lives, some people have symptoms so severe that maintaining employment is impossible. For these individuals, Social Security Disability benefits can be an important financial lifeline.
If you’re struggling to maintain employment due to ADHD, contact our law firm today. With over 100 years of combined legal experience fighting for people with disabilities, you can depend on our lawyers and professional staff at Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC.
Is ADHD Considered a Disability?
ADHD is recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. For Social Security Disability purposes, ADHD is a mental disability that can qualify for benefits if it severely limits your ability to work.
What Type of Disability Is ADHD?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Blue Book to evaluate disability claims. It’s a guide of medical conditions that qualify for SSD benefits. ADHD is evaluated under the Mental Disorders category.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADHD is also considered a disability that may qualify for workplace accommodations. However, the standards for Social Security Disability are much stricter than those for workplace accommodations.
What It Takes to Qualify for Social Security Disability With ADHD
General SSA Qualifying Criteria
To qualify for disability benefits with any medical condition, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Your condition must prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
- Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Your condition must be a qualifying condition or be equal in severity to a condition in the Blue Book (or otherwise prevent you from performing any previous and new types of work)
For mental disorders that qualify for disability, like ADHD, you must meet the eligibility criteria in the Blue Book.
Blue Book Criteria for ADHD
The SSA evaluates ADHD under Listing 12.11 for neurodevelopmental disorders in the Blue Book. To qualify under this listing, you must show evidence of the following two sets of criteria:
- Medical documentation of:
- Frequent distractibility, poor focus, and trouble organizing tasks AND/OR hyperactivity and impulsivity
OR
- Substantial difficulty learning and using academic skills
OR
- Repeated motor movements or repeatedly producing sounds (like singing or speech)
- Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Focusing, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
When applying for Social Security Disability, the main challenge is proving that your ADHD causes severe limitations. Strong, supportive evidence is crucial to the success of your claim.
Qualifying Evidence for Your ADHD Disability Claim
Getting approved for disability with ADHD requires strong medical evidence. Simply stating that you have trouble concentrating isn’t enough. You need detailed documentation from medical professionals of your symptoms, daily struggles, and proof of your diagnosis.
Important Evidence to Include (Medical & Non-Medical)
Your disability claim should include:
- Medical records, such as your diagnosis, treatment history, notes from medical professionals, psychological test results, medication side effects, etc.
- Therapy notes showing ongoing treatment
- Documentation of how symptoms persist despite treatment
- Test results for learning disabilities or ADHD
- Employment records showing trouble maintaining jobs
- Statements from coworkers, family members, friends, etc., about how ADHD affects your daily life and behavior
- Documentation of needing help with managing finances, household tasks, etc.
The more thorough your evidence, the stronger your claim will be. It’s especially important to have statements from treating doctors that specifically explain how your ADHD symptoms prevent you from working.
When you hire our disability attorney, we will help you gather all crucial evidence for your case. At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we know what evidence the SSA needs to see to approve all types of mental disability claims.
Proving Severity: How ADHD Can Limit Your Ability to Work
Many people don’t realize how debilitating severe ADHD can be. When asking, “Is ADHD considered a disability?” it’s important to understand the many symptoms of ADHD. Some examples that might make it hard or impossible for someone to work include:
- Unable to complete tasks on time
- Cannot follow multi-step instructions
- Organizational challenges
- Cannot manage, schedule, or remember appointments
- Unable to prioritize tasks effectively
- Unable to keep track of deadlines
- Impulse control issues, like interrupting others or making hasty decisions without considering consequences
- Poor emotional response control
- Memory issues, such as being unable to remember workplace procedures or forgetting instructions
- Misplacing necessary work tools or materials
- Trouble maintaining appropriate workplace relationships
- Conflicts with supervisors and coworkers
For someone with severe ADHD, these are not occasional inconveniences but constant, overwhelming challenges. They can easily make consistent work performance impossible. Even with medication and therapy, some people still experience symptoms that prevent them from maintaining long-term employment.
The Challenge of Proving an ADHD Disability Claim
Winning approval for disability benefits with ADHD is particularly difficult. ADHD symptoms can be subjective and hard to measure. Many people with ADHD also work successfully with treatment. Your supportive evidence must be extremely strong to prove severe limitations.
The SSA may be skeptical of your situation, but our experienced disability attorneys are here to help. We understand these challenges and know how to effectively present your case to the SSA.
At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we help clients throughout Tennessee and Western North Carolina navigate the complex disability application process. Our lawyers can:
- Review your case to determine if your ADHD symptoms are severe enough to qualify for SSD
- Work with your doctors to document your limitations properly
- Gather comprehensive evidence that demonstrates the severity of your condition
- Complete your application correctly to avoid technical denials
- Represent you at hearings
- Guide you through the appeals process
We understand the frustration and financial hardship that comes with being unable to work due to severe ADHD. Our goal is to help you get the benefits you deserve with as little stress as possible.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you can’t work because of severe ADHD, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. While the application process is challenging, having experienced legal representation increases your chances of claim approval.
The question “Can you get Social Security Disability for ADHD?” has a complicated answer that depends on your unique situation and the strength of your evidence. At Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC, we’ve helped many clients with “invisible” disabilities like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and other conditions successfully obtain benefits.
Remember, ADHD is a disability that can qualify for SSD when properly documented and presented. With our support, you can focus on managing your condition while we handle the complicated legal process.
You don’t have to navigate the disability application process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation about your ADHD disability claim. Our experienced team will evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you build the strongest possible case for benefits.
