   
ADHD and a Claim for Disability Benefits
Q:
"Is it true that children with ADD qualify for Supplemental Security Income?"
A:
Having attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) is not an automatic qualification for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but a documented diagnosis can be helpful if the condition and the impairments are severe enough. ADHD is included in the category of Listed Impairments, under the SSI guidelines. Full documentation about the initial diagnosis and its severity will help substantiate your claim.
Note: The application is complicated, but the Social Security website (ssa.gov) explains the process. Another option is to involve your child’s practitioner, who may have worked with other parents to fill out these forms. I would gather all documentation about your child’s diagnosis, by a psychiatrist and/or neuro-psychologist, as well as any paperwork and school records that establish the severity of your child’s condition. There is no guarantee that SSI services will be granted, but having a clear paper trail to document your claim will prove helpful.
Robert Tudisco is a lawyer who specializes in ADHD. He lives in White Plains, New York.
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