- Author: Richard Stim
- Jan 21, 2026
Yes, dyslexia can qualify individuals for disability benefits if they meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria for severity, duration, and functional limitations. The condition must be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months, significantly limit the ability to work, and be supported by medical evidence. Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful disability claim.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is considered a learning disability that primarily impacts language processing skills. Following are the types of dyslexia:
- Phonological Dyslexia: Difficulty in recognizing and manipulating the sounds of spoken language.
- Surface Dyslexia: Difficulty recognizing whole words and relies heavily on decoding.
- Rapid Naming Deficit Dyslexia: Difficulty rapidly naming familiar objects, colors, or letters.
Is Dyslexia A Disability?
Dyslexia is classified as a specific learning disability with a neurobiological basis. It involves challenges in accurate word recognition, poor spelling, and other difficulties in reading.
Recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), dyslexia is acknowledged as a reading disability.
Symptoms Of Dyslexia
Some of the symptoms of dyslexia are as follows:
- Difficulty with Phonological Awareness: Challenges in recognizing and manipulating the sounds of spoken language.
- Word Decoding Difficulty: Struggles with breaking down words into individual sounds and recognizing them.
- Spelling Challenges: Difficulty spelling words correctly.
- Reading Comprehension Issues: Difficulty understanding and retaining the meaning of what is read.
- Sequential Processing Challenges: Struggles with tasks that involve processing information in a sequential order.
While dyslexia poses challenges, individuals with dyslexia often have unique strengths and talents in other areas. Early identification and appropriate interventions can help individuals with dyslexia overcome these challenges. Some people are triggered by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome (ADHD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety, depression, and other functioning disorders.
Can you get a disability for dyslexia?
Yes, it is possible to receive disability benefits for dyslexia, but approval is based on how severely the condition limits a person’s ability to function in a work environment. The Social Security Administration evaluates whether dyslexia causes significant, long-term difficulties with tasks such as reading instructions, processing written information, learning new skills, or maintaining consistent job performance.
Eligibility Criteria For Getting Dyslexia Disability
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits due to dyslexia, individuals must meet the following criteria:
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Duration of Impairment: The dyslexia must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 continuous months.
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Severity of Impairment: The dyslexia must be severe enough to significantly limit the individual’s ability to perform basic work activities.
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Medical Evidence: There must be medical evidence, including psychiatric evaluations, treatment records, and supporting documentation, to establish the severity and impact of dyslexia.
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Functional Limitations: Dyslexia must result in functional limitations that prevent the individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
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Work Credits (for SSDI): For SSDI benefits, individuals must have earned sufficient work credits through past work experience.
Meeting these criteria is crucial to a successful disability claim for dyslexia through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How Does SSA View Dyslexia?
Dyslexia was not initially considered severe enough to be listed in the Social Security Administration’s “Blue Book,” which outlines impairments eligible for disability benefits. However, in 2017, learning disabilities, including dyslexia, were added to the Blue Book. This inclusion signifies that individuals with severe dyslexia may now be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Dyslexia Listing in the SSA Blue Book
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as a medical condition that prevents an individual from performing substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
To determine eligibility for disability benefits, the SSA relies on a medical reference guide known as the Blue Book, which outlines qualifying physical and mental impairments. For adults, Listing 12.11 addresses neurodevelopmental disorders that may qualify for disability benefits. This category includes learning and developmental conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and tic disorders, including Tourette’s syndrome.
For children, dyslexia is evaluated under Listing 112.11, which applies specifically to neurodevelopmental disorders in minors. In addition to these listings, the Blue Book contains detailed criteria for many other medical conditions that may be eligible for Social Security disability programs.
What happens if you meet the criteria of the SSA?
Qualifying for dyslexia social security benefits typically involves thoroughly evaluating your medical condition and its impact on your ability to work. Here’s a general overview of the application procedure:
- Medical Evidence: Gather medical evidence that supports your diagnosis of depression.
- Work History: Provide details about your work history, including the nature of your jobs and the impact of depression on your ability to perform work-related tasks.
- Application Submission: Submit a disability benefits application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This can be done online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
- Disability Determination Services (DDS): The SSA will forward your case to DDS for a detailed review. DDS will assess your medical evidence, work history, and the severity of your depression.
- Decision Notification: You will receive a decision letter from the SSA regarding your eligibility for disability benefits. If approved, the letter will outline the benefits you’ll receive.
- Appeal Process: You can appeal the decision if your initial application is denied. The appeal process includes reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if necessary.
What If You Can’t Meet the Listing for Dyslexia?
For adults with dyslexia or related reading disorders, the SSA assesses whether the condition imposes marked limitations on mental functioning or significantly interferes with their ability to perform unskilled work. If the condition prevents the individual from using transferable skills in a structured work environment, it is unlikely to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SSDI.
Most individuals with dyslexia remain capable of independent living, interacting with others, and completing past work tasks, often excelling in areas unaffected by the condition. Consequently, establishing a high level of impairment can be difficult. Disability benefits are typically only granted when dyslexia is combined with other medical conditions, such as neurocognitive disorders or cognitive decline, that limit the ability to maintain work environment demands or perform complex instructions.
Disability Benefits Denied? Contact a lawyer
A Social Security disability lawyer can play a crucial role in a dyslexia social security disability claim by helping gather necessary medical evidence, establishing the severity of the condition, and presenting a compelling case to the Social Security Administration (SSA). They navigate the complex application process, ensure all required documentation is submitted, and represent their client during any appeals or hearings.
FAQs On Depression Disability
Is dyslexia a learning disability?
Yes, dyslexia is considered a learning disability characterized by accurate word recognition and reading challenges.
Is dyslexia a disability under the ADA?
Yes, dyslexia is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects against discrimination.
What is the dyslexia disability act?
There isn't a specific "Dyslexia Disability Act." However, dyslexia is covered under various disability laws, including the ADA.
Are the listing criteria for dyslexia the same for children and adults?
The listing criteria for dyslexia may differ for children and adults, considering the developmental context and impact on functioning.
What is the dyslexia disability allowance for adults?
Disability allowances and benefits can vary by country and region. Specific information on dyslexia disability allowances for adults would depend on the policies and programs established by the SSA.