Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can present significant challenges not only in everyday life but also in the workplace. If you or your child is living with severe ADHD that impacts the ability to work or function normally, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Navigating the process of applying for benefits can feel overwhelming, but Grech Law Firm is here to help you secure the benefits you or your child deserve.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, attention, impulse control, and sometimes emotional regulation. While many individuals with ADHD manage their condition with medication and therapy, for others, ADHD can make it nearly impossible to maintain steady employment or function in everyday situations. Common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Trouble focusing on tasks or activities
- Difficulty organizing tasks or managing time
- Impulsivity or difficulty controlling behavior
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
When these symptoms are severe, they can interfere with job performance and daily life, making it difficult to sustain employment. That’s where Social Security benefits come in, providing financial assistance to those who are no longer able to work due to their ADHD.
Does ADHD Qualify for SSDI?
ADHD can qualify for SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work. However, it’s important to note that ADHD is not automatically considered a disabling condition by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To be eligible for SSDI, you must prove that your ADHD prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA), meaning you cannot earn more than $1,470 per month in 2024 due to your condition.
You must also meet the SSA’s criteria under its “Listing of Impairments” or demonstrate that your ADHD is equal in severity to another listed mental disorder, such as a neurodevelopmental or learning disorder.
The SSA will typically look for the following:
- Severe Impairment: ADHD must significantly affect your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
- Work Credits: SSDI is available only to individuals who have earned enough work credits, meaning you must have worked for a certain number of years and paid into the Social Security system.
- Medical Evidence: You’ll need detailed medical records showing a diagnosis of ADHD and how it limits your ability to function and work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children with ADHD
If you’re applying for Social Security benefits for a child with ADHD, SSI, rather than SSDI, is the program that may provide financial assistance. SSI is available to children with disabilities from low-income families, and it can offer much-needed support when ADHD significantly impairs a child’s ability to function at school and in everyday life.
To qualify for SSI, you’ll need to prove:
- Marked Limitations: Your child’s ADHD must severely limit their ability to function compared to other children their age. This includes limitations in areas like learning, social interactions, and personal care.
- Financial Eligibility: SSI is need-based, so your family must meet certain income and asset limits to qualify.
- Medical Evidence: You’ll need to provide documentation from healthcare providers detailing the severity of your child’s ADHD, along with any special education services or accommodations, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
How Justen Grech Can Help
Navigating the application process for SSDI or SSI can feel like an uphill battle, especially when ADHD itself can create challenges in managing paperwork and deadlines. But you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ve helped individuals and families with ADHD apply for the benefits they deserve, and I’m here to help you, too. Here’s how I can assist:
- Filing Your Application: I’ll ensure that your application is complete and accurate and includes all the medical documentation needed to support your claim.
- Gathering Evidence: I’ll work with your healthcare providers, educators, and others to gather the necessary documentation that shows how ADHD impacts your ability to work or function.
- Appealing a Denial: If your application is denied, I’ll guide you through the appeals process, representing you at hearings and fighting for the benefits you deserve.
- Providing Ongoing Support: From the moment we start working together, I’ll be available to answer your questions and keep you updated throughout the process.
Whether you’re applying for SSDI for yourself or SSI for your child, my goal is to take the stress out of the process and help you secure the benefits that can make a real difference.
Talk To A Utica Disability Attorney Today
If you or your child is living with severe ADHD and needs help applying for SSDI or SSI, my firm is here to help. Contact me today so we can work toward getting the financial support you need.