Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Illinois

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, a person must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this means the condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. The child must not be working or earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). For adults, the condition must prevent them from doing substantial work and must last at least 12 months or result in death. Social Security does not pay for partial or short-term disabilities. Income and resources are also considered for SSI eligibility. [^1][^2][^3]

In Illinois, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify for Medicaid and the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. HBWD is for workers aged 16-64 with disabilities. For 2025, a single person can have up to $4,393 per month in countable income, and a couple can have up to $5,962 per month. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide extra support for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. [^4][^5]

• Check if you meet federal and Illinois eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Contact local agencies for help with applications and questions.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and HBWD. Make sure you meet the medical and income requirements.
• Step 2: Collect documents like medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
• Step 5: If you need help, contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program or a local DHS Family Community Resource Center.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence for your records.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on your work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, and other services.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months or more.
• Medicaid Waivers: Extra support for home and community-based services, such as personal care and respite care.

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Medicaid coverage for workers with disabilities aged 16-64. Income limits are $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple in 2025. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide extra support for home and community-based services, such as personal care, respite care, and supported employment.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance for people with low income.
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Cash assistance for families with children.
• Housing Programs: Assistance with rent and utilities for people with disabilities.
• Early Intervention: Services for children with developmental delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Respite Care: Short-term care for people with disabilities to give caregivers a break.

An ABLE account lets people with Autism Spectrum Disorder save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Illinois offers IL ABLE accounts. You can save up to $17,000 per year in 2025, and the total balance can be up to $500,000. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. [^6]

• SSI: Maximum benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple in 2025. Income and resources are counted, but some types of income are not counted.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
• HBWD: $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple in 2025. Up to $25,000 in assets allowed.

It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and correspondence.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and general disability questions.
• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  For Medicaid, HBWD, and other state benefits.
• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program
  Phone: 1-217-588-6326

  Website

  For help with work incentives and reporting changes.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder who meet the medical requirements.

• Can a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder get SSI in Illinois?

  Yes, a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder can get SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and they meet the income and resource limits. The child must not be working or earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025.

• What is the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program?

  HBWD is a Medicaid program in Illinois for workers with disabilities aged 16-64. It allows higher income and asset limits than regular Medicaid and helps people keep healthcare coverage while working.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Illinois?

  You can apply for Medicaid waivers through the Illinois Department of Human Services. Contact your local DHS Family Community Resource Center for help with the application process and to learn about available waivers.

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

  An ABLE account lets people with Autism Spectrum Disorder save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for benefits. Illinois offers IL ABLE accounts, which can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses.

• What happens if my income changes while on SSI or SSDI?