What are the steps for filing for disability for my ADHD?

ADHD disability benefits may be available to either adults or children with severe ADHD. However, the programs differ based on whether the applicant is an adult who has work experience or whether the applicant is a child. Children with ADHD would apply for supplemental security income (SSI) benefits, while most adults who have worked the required amount of time in the social security system would instead apply for social security disability benefits (SSDI). 

In either instance, the first step is making sure that your ADHD meets the requirements for a covered disability. Covered disabilities are those that have a significant impact on a person's ability to do daily activities or to function at all on his or her own in the world. Generally, unless the disability that you have renders you completely unable to work and has a severe and serious impact on the way you must live your day to day life, you are not going to be considered sufficiently disabled to qualify for benefits. This means that mild ADHD is not going to meet the requirements; only ADHD that is very serious and that makes it impossible for you to concentrate in any meaningful matter is going to be considered. Further, the SSA will look at whether you have tried treatments for ADHD and whether the treatments an potentially improve your condition.

If you meet the criteria, then you will need to submit your application and medical evidence to the SSA for processing. The best thing to do if you plan to file an ADHD claim for disability benefits is to get a lawyer to help you through this entire process.