Is ADHD a Disability? Things You Need to Know About It

ADHD is a long-term neuropsychiatric condition that affects not only children but also adults. People with ADHD have difficulty focusing and completing simple tasks, which can interfere with work performance, education, and social relationships.

People with ADHD often have difficulty coping and tend to appear disorganized to others.

In addition, adults who suffer from ADHD commonly experience conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.

ADHD is a persistent, disruptive, and debilitating condition that affects over three million children in the United States.

It persists into adulthood in up to 60% of those diagnosed with ADHD. Adult ADD, Adult ADHA, and AADD are some of the names for adult ADHD.

While many of the symptoms of ADHD can be witnessed by those who do not have the disease, particularly when they are tired or under extreme stress, individuals afflicted with ADHD will have displayed numerous combinations of symptoms since childhood that were severe enough to continuously interfere with their activities.

Is ADHD a disability?

While the answer to this question is technical yes, as ADHD does indeed interfere with an individual’s life to the point of disability, it is important to note that not all individuals with ADHD will be considered disabled.

In order for an individual to be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA), their symptoms must severely impair their ability to work, attend school, or perform other basic life activities.

To receive disability benefits for ADHD, an adult must first have had the disorder diagnosed by a doctor and then provide medical evidence to support their claim that the condition is disabling.

The SSA will consider an individual’s age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills when making a determination about disability.

In addition, the SSA will also assess how well the individual is able to function in a work setting and how their symptoms would impact their ability to perform basic job duties.

What disability type is ADHD?

ADHD is considered a mental disorder and would therefore fall under the category of “mental disability” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA defines a mental disability as “a mental or psychological condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

As mentioned previously, in order to be considered disabled by the ADA, an individual’s symptoms must severely impair their ability to work, attend school, or perform other basic life activities.

While there is no specific listing for ADHD in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) “blue book” of recognized disabilities, individuals with the disorder may still be eligible for benefits if they can provide medical evidence to support their claim that the condition is disabling.

What are ADHD disability benefits?

There are two types of disability benefits that an individual with ADHD may be eligible for: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal insurance program that provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition.

To be eligible for SSDI, an individual must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain period of time. The amount of time an individual must have worked will depend on their age.

In addition, the individual’s disabling condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a need-based program that provides benefits to low-income individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition.

Unlike SSDI, there is no work history requirement for SSI. In order to be eligible for SSI, an individual must have a limited income and few assets.

How do I apply for ADHD disability benefits?

Individuals can apply for disability benefits by submitting an application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA offers an online application as well as paper applications which can be requested by calling 1-800-772-1213.

In addition to the completed application, individuals will also need to provide the SSA with medical evidence of their disabling condition.

This can include medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results.

It is important to note that the SSA does not award benefits based on a diagnosis alone. The SSA will also consider an individual’s age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills when making a determination about disability.

In addition, the SSA will also assess how well the individual is able to function in a work setting and how their symptoms would impact their ability to perform basic job duties.

Read also: Why Does Brain Freeze Happen

Are individuals with ADHD legally protected at work?

Yes, individuals with ADHD are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations.

The ADA also requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability.

Some examples of reasonable accommodations that an employer may need to make for an individual with ADHD include:

Allowing the individual to take frequent breaks or allowing them to work in a more relaxed environment
Modifying work assignments or tasks as necessary
Provide the individual with written instructions or additional coaching
Allowing the individual to work from home or engage in flexible work hours
Providing the individual with access to a quiet workspace

The takeaway

The SSA will consider an individual’s age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills when making a determination about disability.

In addition, the SSA will also assess how well the individual is able to function in a work setting and how their symptoms would impact their ability to perform basic job duties.