Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in New Mexico

To get federal disability benefits for ADHD, you must show your condition is severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work for at least a year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must have a medical diagnosis, and your ADHD must cause major problems in daily life and work. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require you to be unable to do any substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is about $1,470 per month for most people with disabilities[5].

If you are approved, you may get monthly payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare. The SSA reviews your case regularly to make sure you still qualify[6].

In New Mexico, people with ADHD may qualify for Medicaid through the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver if their condition is considered an intellectual or developmental disability. The DD Waiver helps people with ADHD get services that let them live in the community instead of an institution. You must meet both federal and state criteria, including a diagnosis and functional limitations. New Mexico also offers food assistance through SNAP, and if federal SNAP is cut, the state may step in with its own funds to help[2].

Children with ADHD may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which provides health care and support for kids with chronic conditions. Adults with ADHD who lose SSI may get up to two months of extended Medicaid to help them apply for other programs[3].

Always check with the New Mexico Health Care Authority or a local disability attorney for the latest rules and help with your application[1].

• Get a medical diagnosis for ADHD from a doctor.
• Gather records showing how ADHD affects your daily life and work.
• Contact Social Security to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply for Medicaid or SNAP through New Mexico’s Health Care Authority.
• Ask about the DD Waiver if you need community-based services.
• Report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a full medical evaluation for ADHD from a licensed professional. Make sure your records show how ADHD limits your ability to work and do daily tasks.
• Step 2: Collect all medical records, work history, and proof of income and assets.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You can also get help from a disability attorney in New Mexico[1].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, or other state benefits through the New Mexico Health Care Authority. You can apply online or in person.
• Step 5: If you need help living in the community, ask about the Developmental Disabilities Waiver. You may need to join a waiting list.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to Social Security and the state. This helps you avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits active[3].
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from a disability advocate or attorney if needed.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability.
• Medicaid: Health care for people with low income and disabilities. In New Mexico, Medicaid is managed by the Health Care Authority.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food benefits for low-income families and individuals.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities[7].

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver: Provides community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including some with ADHD. Services may include therapy, job coaching, and help with daily living.
• Children’s Medical Services: Health care and support for children under 21 with chronic conditions like ADHD.
• State SNAP Supplement: Extra food benefits for elderly or disabled households in New Mexico.
• Extended Medicaid: Up to two months of Medicaid for people who lose SSI eligibility due to changes in income.
• State-funded food benefits: If federal SNAP is cut, New Mexico may use state funds to help eligible families and individuals[2][3][4].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Mexico, you can open an ABLE account to pay for education, housing, health care, and other needs. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. Check with the New Mexico ABLE program for details and how to apply[7].

• SSI: In 2025, the federal income limit for SSI is about $914 per month for an individual. New Mexico may have higher limits for some state programs.
• SSDI: There is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit (about $1,470 per month in 2025) from work.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program. For most Medicaid programs in New Mexico, you must have low income and assets[3].

You must report changes in your income, work, or health to Social Security and the state. If you don’t, you may get too much money and have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes[3].

• New Mexico Health Care Authority
  Phone: 1-800-283-4465

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and Children’s Medical Services
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Mon-Fri

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in New Mexico?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work and do daily activities. You must have medical proof and meet federal and state rules[6].

• What is the Developmental Disabilities Waiver in New Mexico?

  The DD Waiver helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including some with ADHD, get services to live in the community. You must meet eligibility rules and may need to join a waiting list[4].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with ADHD in New Mexico?

  Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. A disability attorney can help[1].

• Does New Mexico offer extra food benefits for people with disabilities?

  Yes, New Mexico offers a State SNAP Supplement for elderly or disabled households. If federal SNAP is cut, the state may use its own funds to help eligible families[2].

• Can children with ADHD get help in New Mexico?

  Yes, children with ADHD may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which provides health care and support for kids with chronic conditions[3].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, health care, and more[7].