Depending on your symptoms and their effect on your daily life, you may be able to receive disability benefits if you have ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes problems with focus, attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, ADHD can make it harder to keep a job (especially one that requires a routine) or focus in school.

In the United States, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). If your ADHD symptoms are severe enough to interfere with school or work, you may be eligible for certain benefits and accommodations.

Is ADHD a learning disability?

ADHD is not a learning disability. However, ADHD symptoms, like difficulty concentrating or hyperactivity, can affect your ability to learn.

Some research suggests that children with ADHD may also be more likely to have learning disorders like dyslexia or dyscalculia.

Read more: Understanding How ADHD and Learning Disabilities Differ

If you or your child manage symptoms of severe ADHD, you may qualify for federal benefits under one of two programs:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides income to people with disabilities who meet strict income requirements. Adults with ADHD can apply, and parents can also apply on behalf of children under age 18.

To qualify for SSI benefits, the condition must affect you or your child to an extreme degree for at least 12 months. If ADHD affects your or your child’s ability to function effectively, you may qualify for these resources.

To qualify, you will likely need more than just a diagnosis of ADHD. You will also need to show, with verifiable medical documentation, that you have all of the following symptoms:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Adults with severe ADHD symptoms may be able to receive SSDI payments. You may be eligible if you feel that the disorder has prevented you from keeping a job or working in any capacity because of the severity of your symptoms.

Before applying, you should gather any documentation, medical or otherwise, that may help demonstrate the impairment you have experienced.

In general, disability payments are considered on a case-by-case basis. Reviewers consider several factors, including:

  • your age
  • your work history
  • your education
  • your medical history
  • other factors

Adults who can show that they had treatment for ADHD as a child may have a greater possibility of being considered for SSDI benefits.

You apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

They’ll require you to show that you’re impaired in certain areas of cognitive, social, or personal functioning. You’ll likely need to include:

If you have questions about whether you may qualify or what information you will need to apply for any disability benefits, the SSA provides a helpful guide. A lawyer specializing in the disability benefits process may also be able to answer your questions.

If you go to school or you’re in the workforce, federal protections allow you to have certain accommodations.

  • beneficial seating arrangements
  • help with note-taking
  • assistive devices
  • extra time for tests or assignments
  • alternative formats for tests or assignments
  • distraction-free workspaces
  • scheduling or deadline adjustments
  • provision of time-management tools

Management techniques of ADHD vary by age group but typically involve some combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

The most common ADHD medications are stimulants, like:

Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants or alpha agonists, but these are not usually as effective.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common therapy approach for helping people with ADHD manage symptoms.

Reach out to a specialist for tips about living with ADHD. If you need help finding a specialist, speak with a primary care doctor. They can help refer you to the specialist that is right for you.

Is ADHD a permanent disability?

Experts previously thought that people grew out of ADHD. But now, medical professionals understand that many people continue to have ADHD into adulthood, although symptoms may look different.

Can people with ADHD work full-time?

Yes! Many people with ADHD maintain full-time employment. That doesn’t mean they don’t encounter challenges. Often, you can talk with your employer about workplace accommodations to help support you and improve your chances of success at work.

What jobs does ADHD disqualify you from?

ADHD is covered under the American Disabilities Act, which prohibits employers from disqualifying you from a position due to the condition. Other countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom, also cover ADHD under similar laws.

However, some jobs may be better suited for people with ADHD. You may find more success in a career that emphasizes your strengths, passions, and interests.

Depending on how severe your symptoms are, ADHD can be a disabling condition. Under federal law, some people with severe ADHD symptoms may qualify for specific benefits and accommodations.

However, an ADHD diagnosis usually isn’t enough to secure these benefits. You’ll typically need additional documentation to show how the condition affects your daily life and ability to function at work or school.

Talk with a doctor to learn more about the effect of ADHD on your life and consider speaking with a lawyer or other professional on how to access the federal protections available to you.