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Nevada • Neurological/Developmental
Nevada residents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for federal disability benefits and state assistance. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, available programs, and tips for managing income and banking. ADHD is recognized as a qualifying disability if it severely limits daily activities and lasts at least 12 months.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI with ADHD, you must meet strict Social Security rules. Your ADHD must cause severe limitations in daily activities or work, expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[3]. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from past employment[1]. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[1]. The application process uses a five-step review, including evaluating whether you can do Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)[3]. Currently, earning over $1,620/month (2025) may disqualify you from benefits unless you are blind[6]. Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if household income and resources are low[4].
State-specific information is limited; start here: Nevada does not have a state-funded disability program that pays cash benefits directly for ADHD. However, Nevada Medicaid may cover services for people with disabilities, including ADHD, especially if you also qualify for SSI. Medicaid waivers (like HCBS) can provide extra home and community-based services, but eligibility is based on additional functional needs beyond ADHD. For all state benefits, use the Access Nevada portal to apply online[5]. Always check for updates, as programs and income limits may change.
Start your application online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) for SSI or SSDI—these are federal programs available in Nevada[1]. For state Medicaid or waiver services, register on Access Nevada and complete the application[5]. Gather medical records, school/work history, and financial documents. If you need help, Nevada Legal Services offers free support[3].
1. Confirm Eligibility: Review SSA’s disability criteria for ADHD. Your condition must significantly limit daily activities or work for at least 12 months[3]. 2. Collect Documents: Assemble medical records, treatment history, school or work reports, and financial statements. 3. Choose Your Program: Apply for SSDI if you have enough work credits; apply for SSI if you have limited income/resources[1]. 4. Submit Your Application: Apply online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI, or register and apply at Access Nevada for Medicaid and related services[5]. 5. Follow Up: Respond promptly to any requests for more information. 6. Appeal if Needed: If denied, you can appeal—Nevada Legal Services can help with this process[3]. 7. Explore Additional Options: Check for Medicaid waivers or ABLE accounts for extra support.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid into Social Security, including those with ADHD if their condition prevents substantial work[1]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to disabled adults and children with limited income and resources, regardless of work history[1]. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: Adults disabled before age 22 may qualify if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[4]. Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI. Medicaid: Automatically covers SSI recipients in Nevada; others may qualify based on income and disability[1].
Nevada Medicaid covers health services for eligible individuals with disabilities, including ADHD. Medicaid waivers (HCBS) offer additional support like personal care, but these waivers typically require a higher level of need than ADHD alone. The state does not provide separate cash disability benefits for ADHD. All applications for state assistance, including Medicaid, go through Access Nevada[5]. For help with applications or appeals, contact Nevada Legal Services[3].
ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. These accounts can help pay for education, housing, transportation, and more. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Nevada.
For SSI in 2025, income and resource limits are strict—only a small amount of earned and unearned income is allowed. For SSDI, your past work credits matter more than current income, but working while disabled (earning over $1,620/month in 2025) can affect benefits[6]. Medicaid income limits are higher, but still require documentation of disability.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to SSA and Nevada Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Learn how to avoid and manage overpayments, and where to report changes.
SSI and SSDI are federal programs available in every state, including Nevada. The application process and eligibility rules are the same nationwide, but Nevada Medicaid and other state services may add extra support.
Medicaid waivers (like HCBS) can offer extra at-home supports, but ADHD alone may not qualify you. These waivers are for people who need significant help with daily activities due to their disability.
If your application for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid is denied, you have the right to appeal. Many applicants are approved after appealing with more evidence. Nevada Legal Services can help with this process for free.
ADHD alone rarely qualifies for disability benefits unless it causes severe, long-term work or daily living limitations. Most adults and children will need additional medical or functional issues to qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid waivers[1][3].
Apply online at ssa.gov for federal benefits. Gather medical and financial records first. For state Medicaid, use Access Nevada[5]. Consider getting help from Nevada Legal Services if you need support with your application or appeal[3].
In 2025, earning over $1,620/month (non-blind) may affect SSDI. For SSI, even small amounts of earned or unearned income can reduce your benefit. Always report income to SSA[6].
Nevada does not have a state-funded disability program that pays cash benefits for ADHD. State help is mostly through Medicaid and related services, which require you to meet federal disability and income rules[5].
Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if household income and resources are low and the ADHD causes severe functional limitations. The application process looks at both the child’s condition and family finances[4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses and do not count against resource limits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Program rules and benefits can change. Consult official agencies or a benefits specialist for your unique situation.
You can appeal. Many people are approved after appealing with more medical evidence. Nevada Legal Services provides free help with appeals and applications[3].
If you qualify for SSI in Nevada, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. If you don’t get SSI but have low income and a disability, you may still qualify for Medicaid—apply through Access Nevada[5].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have incentives that let you work while keeping some benefits. Earnings limits and reporting rules apply, so check with SSA before starting a job.
Report changes in income, living situation, or health as soon as they happen. Delays can lead to overpayments and reduced benefits.
