According to statistics, up to 5% of adults around the world suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This makes it one of the most common mental disorders.
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, life can be challenging. It affects your ability to focus on tasks as well as form healthy relationships. In some cases, it can even limit your employment options.
But is ADHD a disability? Can you get disability benefits if you’re diagnosed with it?
Yes, ADHD is a legally recognized disability. If you’re suffering from it, you have certain rights under the law. You can also get disability benefits from the SSA if your condition meets their requirements.
To help you gauge whether or not you’ll qualify for disability benefits, you need to understand when ADHD is considered a disability.
Understanding ADHD
Often diagnosed in childhood, symptoms of ADHD can persist well into adulthood. Its most common symptoms in adults include:
- frequent mood swings
- anger management problems
- impulsiveness
- trouble focusing on a task
- poor organizational skills
- starting new tasks without finishing old ones
- irritability or low frustration tolerance
- difficulty dealing with stress
- impatience
- trouble multitasking
- interrupting others or an inability to wait for their turn
Since these symptoms are pretty common, some people may not realize they have ADHD until they’re older. In most cases, by the time they get a diagnosis, it has already led to other mental disorders, such as:
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- personality disorders
The prevalence of these symptoms also makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD. In most cases, you can only get a diagnosis if the symptoms are persistent and severe enough that it affects many aspects of your life.
When is ADHD a Disability?
In general, the SSA considers a medical condition a disability if:
- it prevents you from working or engaging in a substantial gainful activity
- it’s expected to last for at least a year or result in death
Simply put, you can only get disability benefits for ADHD if the symptoms are chronic and severe enough to affect your ability to work.
In addition, the SSA keeps a listing of adult mental disorders that it considers disabling regardless of your education or work history. Adult ADHD itself isn’t included in this list, but it does include disorders that are commonly associated with ADHD, such as:
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- anxiety
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- personality disorders
- impulse control disorders
If you can prove that you also suffer from the above disorders in addition to ADHD, the more likely you are to get benefits.
How to Get Disability Benefits for ADHD
To increase your chances of getting disability benefits for ADHD, here are some things you can do:
1. Secure medical evidence
The SSA relies primarily on medical evidence to make a disability determination. So this is the first thing you need to secure before filing your claim. Medical evidence for ADHD can include:
- your doctor’s diagnosis
- statement from your doctor detailing your limitations
- your treatment records
- evidence of other mental health disorders associated with ADHD
2. Gather other supporting evidence
Aside from medical evidence, you also need to secure other evidence to support your claim. This includes:
- witness statements detailing your limitations
- employment records
3. Hire a Disability Lawyer
Experienced disability lawyers like Victor Malca are more familiar with SSA rules and policies. So they know what evidence to submit and what you need to do to increase your chances of getting approved for benefits.
For over 20 years, Atty. Victor Malca has already helped thousands of disabled individuals in Florida claim the benefits they rightfully deserve. He can help you get yours too. Call us now for a free consultation.
VICTOR MALCA – Florida Workers Compensation & Social Security Disability Attorney
Victor Malca P.A. has over 27 years of litigation experience in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability lawsuits. His experience and continued success when fighting for his clients puts him among the most trusted workers’ compensation attorney’s in Florida. He specializes in representing injured workers on compensation benefit cases and disabled individuals claiming lost social security disability benefits.
Book a free consultation today. Our unwavering advocacy for employee rights and privileges are recognized by our past clients across South Florida.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a writer and editor for the Victor Malca Law P.A. website and blog. She enjoys helping people in need with questions about social security disability and workers compensation law. She has a passion for helping those in need and the elderly with accurate legal information that can make a positive difference in their lives.