Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in Idaho

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with ADHD, your condition must severely limit your ability to work or perform daily activities for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you must have a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical records, school reports, and functional assessments to decide if ADHD meets their disability criteria.

Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their disability started before age 18 and meets SSA’s childhood disability standards. Adults with ADHD that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits as a Disabled Adult Child if a parent is receiving Social Security benefits.

In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits[1].

In Idaho, adults with ADHD may qualify for developmental disability services if their condition meets Medicaid’s criteria for intellectual or developmental disabilities. This includes having a chronic disability that appeared before age 22 and causes significant functional limitations in areas like self-care, learning, or independent living. ADHD alone may not qualify unless it is severe and meets the IQ or functional criteria set by Idaho Medicaid.

To access services, you must first apply for Medicaid and be found financially eligible. Then, you must complete a separate application and assessment for developmental disability services. Idaho’s Medicaid program covers services like therapy, case management, and supported living for eligible individuals[2].

Idaho also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, which can provide additional supports for those with ADHD if they meet the criteria[2].

• Gather medical records, school reports, and proof of income.
• Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid through Idaho Health and Welfare.
• Complete a developmental disability assessment if needed for Medicaid waivers.
• Report changes in income or health to avoid overpayments[1][2].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including ADHD diagnoses, treatment records, and reports from doctors or therapists.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal, medical, and work history information[1].
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid, apply through Idaho Health and Welfare’s online portal or by mail. You must be found financially eligible for Medicaid before applying for developmental disability services[2].
• Step 4: If you believe your ADHD meets Idaho’s criteria for developmental disabilities, complete the developmental disability application and assessment. This may include IQ testing and functional evaluations[2].
• Step 5: Attend any required interviews or medical exams. The Idaho Disability Determinations Service (DDS) will review your medical records and make a decision on your SSDI/SSI claim[3].
• Step 6: If approved, you will receive benefits and may be eligible for Medicaid waivers or other supports. Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments[1][2].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with ADHD who have a work history and enough Social Security credits. Benefits are based on your earnings record.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with ADHD who have low income and resources. Children and adults may qualify if their disability meets SSA’s criteria.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with ADHD who receive SSI or meet Medicaid income limits. Medicaid covers therapy, medications, and other services.
• Medicare: Available to people with SSDI after 24 months of receiving benefits.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work help people with ADHD keep benefits while working[1][5].

• Idaho Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including ADHD if it meets criteria. Services may include therapy, case management, and supported living.
• Developmental Disability Services: Idaho offers specialized programs for adults with developmental disabilities, including those with severe ADHD. Eligibility requires a chronic disability that appeared before age 22 and significant functional limitations.
• Idaho Disability Determinations Service (DDS): Reviews medical evidence for SSDI and SSI claims in Idaho. DDS does not accept applications directly but works with SSA to make medical decisions.
• ABLE Accounts: Idaho offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including ADHD, to save for expenses without losing benefits[2][3][4].

Idaho offers ABLE accounts for people with ADHD who became disabled before age 26. ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more[4].

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Idaho may have additional state supplements.
• SSDI: There is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month in 2025) and still receive full SSDI benefits.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary based on household size and program. For developmental disability services, you must meet Medicaid’s financial eligibility requirements[1][2].

If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to SSA and Idaho Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, work above the SGA limit, or fail to report changes. Reporting changes promptly helps protect your benefits and avoid penalties[1][2].

• Idaho Disability Determinations Service
  Phone: 208-334-3770

  Website

  For SSDI/SSI medical adjudication questions.
• Idaho Health and Welfare
  Phone: 208-334-3100

  Website

  For Medicaid and developmental disability services.

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in Idaho?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities for at least 12 months. For Medicaid developmental disability services, ADHD must meet specific criteria, such as appearing before age 22 and causing significant functional limitations[1][2].

• What is the SGA limit for ADHD in 2025?

  In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits[1].

• How do I apply for ADHD disability benefits in Idaho?

  Apply for SSDI or SSI through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office. For Medicaid and developmental disability services, apply through Idaho Health and Welfare and complete a separate assessment if needed[2][3].

• What documents do I need to apply for ADHD benefits?

  You will need medical records, school reports, proof of income, and any functional assessments. For developmental disability services, you may also need IQ testing and documentation of functional limitations[2].

• Can children with ADHD get disability benefits in Idaho?

  Yes, children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their disability started before age 18 and meets SSA’s childhood disability standards. Adults with ADHD that began before age 22 may qualify as a Disabled Adult Child if a parent is receiving Social Security benefits[5].

• What Medicaid waivers are available for ADHD in Idaho?