People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Florida may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and special education services. Eligibility depends on medical, financial, and functional criteria. This guide explains how to apply, what programs are available, and how to manage your benefits.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Autism Spectrum Disorder, you must have a diagnosis that causes marked and severe functional limitations. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Children must not earn more than these amounts and must have a condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations [1].
Both SSDI and SSI require a medical review to confirm that the disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide eligibility, which includes reviewing medical records, work history, and functional limitations [2].
In Florida, the Division of Disability Determinations reviews medical eligibility for Social Security disability programs (SSDI and SSI) and the state Medically Needy program. Florida also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, which can provide home and community-based services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both medical and financial criteria, and there may be a waiting list. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) manages these waivers and can help with applications and support planning [3].
Florida also provides special needs shelters and emergency preparedness resources for people with disabilities. If you or a family member with autism is medically dependent on electricity or needs transportation, register for the special needs registry to ensure support during emergencies [4].
These programs are administered by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Education [2].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In Florida, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free [7].
For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation. For children, the same limits apply, and family income may also be considered. Medicaid waiver income limits vary by program and may be higher than SSI limits [1].
It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or medical status to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, which must be repaid. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid penalties [6].
If you or a family member with autism is medically dependent on electricity or needs transportation, register for Florida’s special needs registry to ensure support during emergencies [4].
In 2025, the SSI income limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Family income may also be considered for children. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation [1].
Yes, children with autism may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. The child must have a condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations and not earn more than the SGA limit [1].
The Florida Medicaid waiver for autism provides home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities. Services may include respite care, supported employment, and other supports. The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities manages these waivers [3].
To apply for SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records and work history [2].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses and are tax-free for qualified withdrawals [7].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Florida provides special needs shelters and emergency preparedness resources for people with disabilities. Register for the special needs registry to ensure support during emergencies [4].
Report changes in income, resources, or medical status to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide to learn how to report changes and avoid penalties [6].
The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation [1].
Yes, adults with autism may qualify for Medicaid if they meet the medical and financial criteria. Medicaid can provide health care, home and community-based services, and other supports [3].
Florida offers resources such as the Florida Centers on Autism and Related Disabilities, the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, and special education services through the public school system [4].
