Is Dyslexia a Disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognize dyslexia as a learning disability. But when it comes to getting Social Security benefits, the answer is more complex. Each person’s experience with dyslexia is different, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has very specific rules. 

Quick Answer: Yes, you can get disability benefits for dyslexia, but only if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working and earning a living. The SSA does not list dyslexia as a qualifying condition on its own, but if you can prove your functional limitations meet their strict criteria, you may be approved for benefits. 

To understand if you are likely to qualify, you need to know how the SSA defines disability and what evidence they require.

What Counts as a Disability Under SSA Rules?

The SSA has a two-part definition for disability that every applicant must meet. Your condition is considered a disability only if:

1. It prevents you from engaging in “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA).
2. It is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death.

Substantial Gainful Activity refers to work that earns you more than a certain amount each month. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you are earning more than this, the SSA will almost always deny your claim, assuming you are able to work.

While many people with dyslexia lead successful careers with the right tools and support, others face disabling limitations. If your dyslexia is severe enough to keep you from maintaining steady employment, you may have a valid claim.

Does Dyslexia Appear in the SSA’s Disability Listings?

The SSA maintains an official list of medical conditions, known as the “Blue Book,” that are considered severe enough to warrant disability benefits automatically. Dyslexia is not specifically named in this list.

However, your condition may meet the criteria under other listings, particularly those for neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. The SSA will evaluate your case under listings like 12.11, Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

To qualify under this listing, you must provide medical evidence showing significant difficulties in learning and using academic skills, along with extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following mental functions:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information.
• Interacting with others.
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace.
• Adapting or managing oneself (controlling emotions, behavior, and maintaining well-being).

Even if you don’t meet these strict listing requirements, you can still qualify for benefits if your overall limitations prevent you from working.

How to Qualify for Disability Benefits With Dyslexia

Since dyslexia isn’t a listed condition, winning a claim depends entirely on the strength of your evidence. You must prove that your functional limitations are so significant that you cannot perform any job available in the national economy. This is often determined through a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment.

Key evidence to support your claim includes:

• Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Testing: Formal diagnostic reports detailing the severity of your reading, writing, and information processing deficits.
• Medical Records: Notes and reports from doctors, psychologists, and learning specialists who have treated you.
• School Records: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans that document the accommodations you needed in school.
• Standardized Test Scores: Results from tests like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) or Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement.
• Work History and Performance Reviews: Documentation showing your struggles at previous jobs, disciplinary actions, or terminations related to performance issues caused by your dyslexia.
• Personal Statements: Detailed letters from you, former teachers, past employers, and family members describing how dyslexia affects your daily life and ability to work.

The SSA will also consider how assistive technologies and reasonable accommodations impact your ability to work. If these tools allow you to perform job duties successfully, your claim may be denied.

SSDI vs. SSI: Which Benefit Is Right for You?

The SSA manages two separate disability programs. The one you may qualify for depends on your work history and financial situation.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is an insurance program for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify, you must have a disabling condition and have earned enough “work credits.”

In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, and you can earn up to four credits per year. Most adults need 40 credits to qualify, with 20 of those earned in the 10 years before their disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program for disabled, blind, or aged individuals with very limited income and resources. You do not need a work history to qualify.

To be eligible for SSI, you must:

• Meet the SSA’s medical definition of disability.
• Have limited income and resources.
• Reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

In 2025, the federal maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Your benefit may be lower depending on your other income. 

The Disability Claim Timeline: What to Expect

Applying for disability benefits is often a long and frustrating process. It is important to be prepared for each stage.

1. Initial Application: You submit your application and all supporting evidence. A decision typically takes 3-6 months. Most initial claims are denied.
2. Reconsideration: If denied, you can file an appeal called a Reconsideration. A different claims examiner will review your file. This stage adds another 2-4 months.
3. ALJ Hearing: If your Reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is your best chance of winning your case, but wait times for a hearing can be a year or longer.