Disabled people with many different conditions rely on Social Security disability benefits as their only source of income. And since attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a disability today, a frequent question is if it’s possible to collect disability for ADHD.
It is possible to collect Social Security disability benefits for a condition like ADHD, although it may be a bit more difficult to collect benefits since it requires a significant amount of detailed medical evidence to demonstrate its disabling symptoms.
Learn more about how you can collect disability for ADHD by reading below.
ADHD Overview
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (known as ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as ADD) is a mental health disorder that most commonly affects children, but many adults also have it.
Professionals say that between 40% and 90% of people who were diagnosed with ADHD as children still have signs of ADHD as adults. About 5% of people are thought to have ADHD, however, many more may have it without it being diagnosed.
When ADHD continues into adulthood, it can cause problems in an individual’s professional life. A 2009 survey found that adults with ADHD are more likely to have trouble getting and retaining a job than adults who don’t have ADHD. The problem is even worse for people who were not able to get help for ADHD when they were younger.
There are three kinds of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and a combination of the two.
The type of ADHD you have is based on how many of the same signs are present, such as an inability to pay attention, an inclination toward hyperactive behavioral and mental activity, or a mix of both.
Adult Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD in adults can lead to a wide range of signs and problems, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Constantly being late
- Chronic boredom
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of memory
- Short attention span
- Inattention to detail
- Impulsiveness
- Physical restlessness
- Anger issues
- Mood shifts
- Lack of organizational skills
- Substance abuse
- Lack of motivation
- Procrastination
- Low self-worth
When these symptoms are at their worst, they can make it hard for an adult to do their job tasks and keep a job. In situations like this, a person with ADHD might be able to get help from Social Security disability.
Can I Collect Disability for ADHD?
Yes, you can. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Social Security Administration both recognize ADHD as a disability. Individuals who are unable to work due to severe ADHD may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
To put it another way, the Social Security Administration recognizes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a disability if the condition is so severe that it prevents a person from holding down a job.
Documentation Needed to Prove Adult ADHD
Since there is no gold standard for diagnosing ADHD, you’ll need convincing proof to get approval of your disability claim. Records from medical professionals, employers, and educators detailing your symptoms will be required by Social Security.
Your application for SSDI should ideally include the following:
- Documents from a licensed mental health professional (doctor’s notes, questionnaires, exams, etc.) confirming your diagnosis of adult ADHD
- Medication and therapy logs detailing your treatment history and outcomes
- Evidence from previous employers that you struggled to focus, were hyperactive, or acted impulsively
- A form called a medical source statement filled out by your treating psychiatrist or therapist, outlining their assessment of your ADHD’s severity and the impact on your everyday life
Evidence of ADHD symptoms in childhood, even in the absence of a formal diagnosis, may be useful in documenting to Social Security that you have adult ADHD.
If possible, provide Social Security with documentation showing that your ADHD or ADD symptoms hindered your educational performance as a child, such as late assignments, low grades, skipped classes, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for ADHD.
Tips for Filing an ADHD Disability Claim
You can submit your application for Social Security disability insurance through the Social Security Administration’s online portal. You can take your time filling out the application, but applying online is the quickest way to apply for benefits.
Although most SSI claimants will not be able to complete the application process online, Social Security provides an online portal where they can begin the process.
If you do not feel comfortable filing your claim online, you can apply by phone by calling Social Security at the number 800-772-1213.
Make sure to include details about any additional health conditions or mental impairments that you may have on your application. Often individuals who were initially confirmed to have ADHD are diagnosed with another psychiatric illness, which may include depression, substance abuse problems, an anxiety disorder, or a personality disorder. This co-occurring disorder is known as comorbidity.
The Social Security Administration is required to take into account the cumulative impact of your impairments if you suffer from more than one medical or mental condition that contributes to your inability to maintain gainful employment.
If you also have additional severe impairments, your disability application has a stronger probability of being accepted.
Consider consulting with a disability lawyer or advocate if you need assistance filling out your application.
According to the results of a study, applicants who submitted their first application on their own without the assistance of an expert had an 80% chance of being rejected.
It’s possible that a disability lawyer or advocate might review your case for free and help you figure out whether or not the limitations caused by your ADHD are severe enough for you to qualify for benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to collect disability benefits for a condition like ADHD. Although it may be harder to prove than some other physical conditions, it is nonetheless possible to get approved for benefits if you have the right kind of documentation. If you want to improve your chances of approval, make sure to consult with a disability lawyer for your disability claim.
