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Indiana • Neurological/Developmental
Indiana residents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have several options for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security programs (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help in Indiana, with up-to-date resources and official contacts.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, your condition must be "medically determinable" and severe enough to prevent you from working at a "substantial" level for at least 12 months. SSDI also requires a work history with enough credits earned recently. For children, the disorder must limit participation in major life activities such as learning. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical evidence, school records, and sometimes requests additional exams to decide if you meet their strict definition of disability[3]. In 2025, SSDI’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) income limit is expected to rise to about $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals, allowing some part-time work without losing benefits[1][2]. The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will also increase benefit amounts slightly (about 2.5% for 2025)[2].
State-specific information is limited; start here: Indiana does not offer a separate state disability cash benefit for adults with ADHD. Instead, eligible residents may apply for federal SSI and SSDI programs through the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB)[3]. The DDB works with Social Security field offices to evaluate medical evidence according to federal disability rules[3]. For Indiana state employees, there are Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance options, but these are generally not available to the general public[4]. If you need ongoing care or support services, Indiana’s Medicaid waiver programs (HCBS) might help, but ADHD alone rarely meets the waiver’s criteria for adults—these waivers are more commonly used by people with intellectual or physical disabilities. For children, early intervention and school-based supports may be available through local education agencies. Always contact the DDB for the latest eligibility guidance specific to your case[3].
If you have ADHD and think you qualify for disability benefits in Indiana:
Step 1: Review Eligibility Check if your ADHD is severe enough to qualify under federal rules (unable to work for at least 12 months, or for children, unable to fully participate in major life activities)[3]. For SSDI, confirm you have enough work credits[6]. For SSI, confirm income and resource limits.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation Collect medical records, school reports (for children), prescription lists, therapy notes, and statements from doctors. Evidence should show ongoing treatment and how ADHD limits your functioning.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. Be honest and thorough—missing information can delay your claim.
Step 4: Work With Indiana’s Disability Determination Bureau The DDB reviews your claim and may request more records or a consultative exam. Stay in touch with your assigned examiner[3]. Processing can take several months.
Step 5: Appeal if Denied Many initial claims are denied. You have the right to appeal—ask for help from a disability advocate or lawyer if needed.
Step 6: Explore Other Supports While waiting, see if you qualify for Indiana Medicaid, ABLE accounts, or local support programs. For state employees, file for Short-Term or Long-Term Disability through your employer’s portal using the required forms[4].
Step 7: Report Changes If your condition, work, or income changes, report it promptly to Social Security[SSA] to avoid overpayments or benefit loss.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are the main federal programs for people with disabilities like ADHD. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with a sufficient work history. Both programs have strict medical criteria—ADHD must be severe enough to prevent "substantial gainful activity" (work) for at least one year[3][6]. Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if the disorder severely limits their ability to function at home, school, or in the community[5].
Medicare (for SSDI recipients after a waiting period) and Medicaid (for SSI recipients and some low-income adults) help with health care costs[SSA] . ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[SSA].
In 2025, benefit amounts will increase by about 2.5% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[2]. The SGA income limit for SSDI will also rise, allowing beneficiaries to earn a bit more without losing benefits[1][2].
Indiana does not have a standalone state disability cash benefit program for adults with ADHD. The main resource is the Indiana Disability Determination Bureau (DDB), which reviews all federal disability claims for Indiana residents[3]. State employees may access Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance through their employer, but these are not available to the general public[4].
Indiana Medicaid may cover health care for eligible low-income individuals and families. The Aged and Disabled Waiver and other Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide in-home and community-based services, but these waivers are typically for people with intellectual/developmental or physical disabilities—ADHD alone usually does not meet the waiver’s criteria for adults.
For children, Early Intervention and school-based services may be available through Indiana’s education system. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) administers Medicaid and some support programs—contact them for guidance[FSSA].
ABLE accounts are also available in Indiana, allowing eligible people to save for disability expenses while keeping federal benefits.
Indiana ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Earnings are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses (housing, education, health, etc.). ABLE accounts are a smart way to build financial independence and security—visit the Indiana ABLE Authority for details and to open an account.
For SSI, income limits are strict and include both your earnings and other resources. For SSDI, you can earn up to the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit (projected at $1,530/month for non-blind individuals in 2025) while still qualifying for benefits—earning above this may affect eligibility[1][2]. Always report all income changes to Social Security promptly to avoid overpayments.
You must report any changes in your income, work status, or living situation to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible. Failing to do so could result in overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you receive too much money due to an error, you can request a waiver in some cases. For state benefits (like Medicaid), also report changes to the FSSA to keep your coverage accurate.
SSDI’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is expected to rise to about $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025, so you can earn a bit more without losing benefits. SSDI payments will also increase by about 2.5% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment[1][2].
Indiana state employees may have access to Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance. This is separate from Social Security benefits and requires specific forms and employer approval—see the State Personnel Department for details[4].
Adults with ADHD may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their condition is severe enough to prevent work for at least one year. Most adults with ADHD will not qualify unless they have significant additional impairments. Indiana does not have a separate state disability benefit for adults with ADHD[3].
Children with severe ADHD may qualify for SSI if the disorder greatly limits their ability to function at home and school. The process includes medical and school records, and sometimes extra exams[5]. Early intervention and school services may also be available.
In 2025, the SSDI income (SGA) limit is expected to be about $1,530/month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your benefits[1][2]. Always report income changes to Social Security to avoid problems.
SSI is a needs-based benefit for people with limited income/resources. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both have strict medical rules—ADHD must be severe enough to prevent work for at least one year[SSA][3].
Medicaid waivers (HCBS) in Indiana are mostly for people with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. ADHD alone usually does not qualify adults for these waivers, but you may qualify for regular Medicaid based on income.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Eligibility rules and benefit amounts may change. Always confirm details with official agencies and consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
If you are a state employee, you must complete specific forms and follow your employer’s process to apply for STD/LTD benefits[4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In Indiana, you can save up to $100,000 and use the funds for qualified disability expenses. It’s a helpful tool for financial independence.
Most claims take several months—sometimes 6–8 months—to process. If denied, you have the right to appeal. Stay in touch with the Disability Determination Bureau for updates[3].
Indiana state employees may be eligible for Short-Term or Long-Term Disability insurance through their employer. This is a separate process from Social Security and requires specific forms and documentation[4].
Yes, if your earnings stay below the SGA limit (about $1,530/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). Social Security encourages work attempts and offers incentives to help you return to work gradually[1][2].
You have the right to appeal. Review the denial letter, get help from a disability advocate or lawyer, and submit any new evidence. The appeals process has several levels—persistence is key.
