Is ADHD a disability?

Q: Is ADHD a disability?

ADHD may qualify as a disability for government benefits. For Supplemental Security Income, a child’s ADHD must severely limit daily functioning for at least 12 months and their families must meet a low-income threshold. For Social Security Disability Insurance, adults must show a long-term impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity, which can be difficult to prove with ADHD alone.

Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD

Physician

Updated Jan 27, 2026 • Published Jan 27, 2026

Fact Checked

ADHD may qualify as a disability for government benefits. For Supplemental Security Income, a child’s ADHD must severely limit daily functioning for at least 12 months and their families must meet a low-income threshold. For Social Security Disability Insurance, adults must show a long-term impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity, which can be difficult to prove with ADHD alone.

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Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your psychiatrist or healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Sources

Insurance and public benefits, CHADD

Medically reviewed by Chad Shaffer, MD

Physician

Chad Shaffer, MD, earned his medical doctorate from Penn State University and completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics. He has provided full-service primary care to all ages for over 15 years, building a practice from start up to over 3,000 patients. His passion is educating patients on their health and treatment, so they can make well-informed decisions.

Is ADHD a disability?

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