Social Security Benefits for Kids With ADHD in Nebraska

In 2006, 4.5 million children between the ages of five and 17 suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC considers ADHD one of the most common pediatric neurobehavioral disorders. One form of help for families with kids who suffer from ADHD is through social security benefits. Although Nebraska has one of the highest processing backlogs for social security disability insurance, benefits are available.

Background

• Children with ADHD are eligible for social security benefits under the supplemental security income program of the Social Security Act. This section, Title XVI of the Social Security Act, provides payments for individuals who are disabled and have limited resources. ADHD is listed under "Mental Disorders- Childhood" in Section 112.11 of the September, 2008, edition of the "Blue Book." The Blue Book states that ADHA is, "manifested by developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity."

Requirements

• For your ADHD child to qualify for social security benefits, you must meet the requirements outlined in the "Blue Book." Under "Section A," you must have medically documented evidence of marked inattention, marked impulsiveness, and marked hyperactivity. Under Section B, children from age one to age three must meet one of the following: gross or fine motor development, cognitive or communicative function, or social function at a level generally acquired by children no more than one-half the child's age. Children ages three to 18 must meet two of the following: marked impairment in age-appropriate cognitive or communicative function, impairment in social functioning, impairment in personal functioning or difficulty in maintaining concentration, persistence or pace.

Documentation

• You can use documentation from a number of different sources when it comes to obtaining social security benefits in Nebraska. You can use notes, observations and medications from your child's physicians. You can also use information from your child's school, including observations from teachers, tests conducted by the school psychologist, evidence of an individualized education plan (IEP), or a "special needs" designation.

Applying

• You are required to complete an application for supplemental security income and a child disability report when you apply for social security benefits for your ADHD child. You can complete the child disability report online, but you must contact your local social security office to schedule an appointment to fill out the supplemental security income form by phone or in person. The child disability report includes information about your child's medical condition, medical records, education and work history. The Social Security Administration provides an additional checklist to help you gather the documents for your interview. The information includes contact information and records of treatment for any doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics or schools that have treated your child.

Process

• Once your applications and your interview are complete, your case is given to State Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS works on gathering information from the medical sources you provide. If there is not enough information, they may order another exam from either your child's doctor or an independent source. After gathering as much information as possible, a two-person team makes a disability determination. A medical or psychological consultant and a disability examiner make up the team. DDS will give your case back to your local social security office after the determination. If you are approved for benefits, the Social Security Administration will determine your benefit amount and start payments. If you are not approved, you can appeal the decision.