Can You Receive Disability Benefits For ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterized by impulsive behavior, difficulty paying attention, and restlessness. Sometimes, symptoms of ADHD can be so severe that they impair someone’s ability to keep a job. If your ADHD symptoms affect your daily life, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Improve your well-being at work

Manage ADHD symptoms with a therapist

What does it mean to have ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain works—particularly in relation to executive functioning. Executive functions allow you to do things like make decisions, manage time, and control your impulses. With ADHD, these functions are disrupted, which can lead to the manifestation of various symptoms. 

There are three main presentations of ADHD. The one with which you may be diagnosed depends on which kind of symptoms you mainly experience: inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination of both. 

Those with the primarily inattentive presentation of ADHD may experience symptoms such as:

• Trouble focusing for long periods
• Forgetfulness
• Distractibility
• Procrastination
• Trouble making decisions

Those with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive presentation may experience symptoms such as: 

• Risk-taking
• Interrupting others
• Restlessness and trouble sitting still
• Speaking or acting without thinking
• Struggling to manage emotions

According to the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a person’s symptoms must interfere with their daily life in order for them to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Understanding disability benefits

In the United States, one of the most well-known disability benefits is Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. Managed by the Social Security Administration, SSDI takes the form of monthly payments you can receive if you have a disability that severely impacts your ability to work. The amount you receive may depend on your work history and earnings prior to becoming disabled. SSDI may also qualify you for government health benefits like Medicare. 

Criteria must be met to qualify for disability benefits

However, you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for disability benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, individuals must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for disability benefits:

• Having a disability that affects your ability to work for a year or longer
• Having worked for five years or more out of the last ten
• If you’re able to work, being unable to earn more than a certain amount each month

While receiving disability benefits, you may be required to report any changes to your work or health situation. You might be able to keep receiving benefits if you start working again, but this can depend on things like your monthly earnings and work-related expenses. 

Is it possible to receive ADHD disability benefits?

ADHD is considered to be a disability. However, an ADHD diagnosis alone may not be enough to qualify for disability benefits. To qualify for SSDI, a person must prove that their ADHD symptoms are severe enough to prevent them from working. 

Things to be submitted

• Detailed medical records
• Proof of past and current treatments
• Information on any co-occurring mental illnesses
• Detailed explanations of how ADHD prevents gainful employment
• Detailed information on work history 

Disability benefits for ADHD require proper diagnosis from mental health professionals

Can children receive disability benefits for ADHD?

In some cases, children up to 18 years old with ADHD from low-income families can receive ADHD disability benefits from SSI, provided that they meet the disability requirements. However, the qualification for disability benefits for ADHD in children is not that easy. 

How children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder qualify for SSI disability benefits

For your child to qualify for ADHD disability, the ADHD symptoms must be severe enough to meet the requirements outlined in the SSA’s listing for neurodevelopmental disorders. If the symptoms manifested do not meet the criteria, you must prove that the symptoms are functionally equal to the listed requirements.

Other accommodations for ADHD

If you don’t qualify for SSDI payments, you may be entitled to other accommodations for ADHD under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, if ADHD is affecting your ability to perform your job, your employer may be required to do things such as:

• Let you use headphones in the workplace to reduce noise and distractions
• Let you work in a quiet environment
• Let you take breaks to move around
• Provide coaching to help you stay organized and on-task

Factors that determine the qualification for workplace accommodations

Keep in mind that not everyone with ADHD may qualify for workplace accommodations. Whether or not you’re eligible may depend on:

• The intensity of your symptoms
• Your ability to perform the essential duties of your job
• The number of employees at the company

You can make a request for workplace accommodation at any time, even if you didn’t do so while you were applying for your job. However, the Job Accommodation Network recommends you make your request as soon as you realize that something is preventing you from doing your job rather than waiting until your performance suffers. If you feel you need guidance requesting workplace accommodations, consider consulting with a professional who can help you understand the process.

Getting help with ADHD-related work challenges

If you’re running into challenges at work due to ADHD, you may also benefit from getting support from a healthcare professional. ADHD symptoms can often be managed, and many people with this condition are able to do their jobs effectively with the right combination of treatments or coping strategies. If you haven’t explored treatment yet, talking to your primary care doctor can be a good place to start. They may be able to help you craft a treatment plan and find support that works for you. 

Improve your well-being at work

Manage ADHD symptoms with a therapist

Therapy to improve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms

Seeking therapy is another method that could help you improve work performance and productivity. A licensed therapist may be able to suggest personalized strategies for managing deadlines, staying organized, completing tasks, and making decisions. They may also be able to help you adjust negative thought patterns and behaviors that might be contributing to your symptoms. 

Benefits of online therapy

However, the same challenges that ADHD can cause in the workplace might also make it hard to attend in-person therapy appointments. If you have trouble keeping track of time or concentrating in a new environment, online therapy might be a better alternative for you. Platforms like BetterHelp allow you to attend therapy from your own home via voice call, video call, and/or in-app messaging. Studies indicate that online therapy may be effective for addressing a variety of conditions. In particular, consider research from 2022 that suggests that online interventions may help improve attention and social function in those with ADHD.