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Intellectual and developmental disabilities

Can Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Get SSDI? Eligibility Basics

Reviewed by Gretchen Johnson, J.D., LL.M.

If you or someone you love has an intellectual or developmental disability, benefits can bring real security. Let's break down SSDI.

Which conditions count?

Intellectual disorder (listing 12.05), autism (12.10) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (12.11).

What's needed for intellectual disorder?

  • An IQ of 70 or below (or 71 to 75 with a verbal or performance score of 70 or below) plus serious limits in daily life, or needing help with basics like eating or bathing
  • Proof it began before age 22

Not much work history?

SSDI needs work credits. If you don't have enough, SSI or DAC benefits may be a better fit.