Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Indiana

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a disability under federal law. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a work history and meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Children with ASD may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria and family income is low enough. Adults with ASD may qualify for SSDI if they have a qualifying work history and meet the disability criteria. Both programs require medical documentation of ASD and its impact on daily life and work ability.

• SSDI: Based on work credits and disability status.
• SSI: Based on financial need and disability status.
• Children: May qualify for SSI if family income is low and ASD is severe.
• Adults: May qualify for SSDI or SSI based on work history and financial need.

SSA Disability Qualification (accessed 2025-11-05)

Benefits for Children with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana offers several programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) administers Medicaid waivers for children and adults with autism, which can provide services like therapy, respite care, and support coordination. The state also has a Short-Term and Long-Term Disability program for state employees, which may provide income replacement for those unable to work due to ASD. Indiana's Medicaid waiver programs have specific eligibility criteria, including a diagnosis of ASD and functional limitations. Families may also access support through the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and local school districts.

• Medicaid Waivers: For children and adults with ASD, providing therapy and support services.
• State Disability Programs: For state employees with ASD, offering income replacement.
• Support Services: Through local agencies and schools.

Indiana Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Disability Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Gather medical records and diagnosis of ASD.
• Check eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid waivers.
• Complete applications online or by phone.
• Submit required forms and documentation.
• Follow up with agencies for updates.

• Step 1: Collect medical records and a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder from a qualified professional.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for federal programs (SSI, SSDI) and state programs (Medicaid waivers, state disability).
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. For children, apply for SSI through the SSA.
• Step 4: Apply for Indiana Medicaid waivers through the FSSA website or local office. You may need to complete a functional assessment.
• Step 5: For state disability benefits, complete the required forms (Employee's Statement of Claim, Authorization for Release of Medical Information, Options Statement) and submit to your employer or the state.
• Step 6: Submit all required documentation and follow up with agencies for updates and additional information.
• Step 7: Attend any required interviews or medical exams.
• Step 8: Await a decision and appeal if necessary.

SSA Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Medicaid Waivers Application (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Disability Program Forms (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for adults with ASD who have a qualifying work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for children and adults with ASD who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with ASD.
• Medicare: Health coverage for adults with ASD who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Health coverage for children with ASD in families with low to moderate income.

SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05)

Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-05)

Medicare (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Indiana Medicaid Waivers: Programs like the Children's Waiver and the Adult Developmental Disability Waiver provide services such as therapy, respite care, and support coordination for people with ASD.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability: Income replacement for state employees with ASD who are unable to work.
• Indiana Resource Center for Autism: Provides information, training, and support for families and professionals.
• Local School Districts: May offer special education services and support for children with ASD.
• Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA): Administers Medicaid waivers and other support programs.

Indiana Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Disability Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana Resource Center for Autism (accessed 2025-11-05)

Indiana FSSA (accessed 2025-11-05)

ABLE accounts allow people with ASD to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses.

Indiana ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-05)

• SSI: For 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Indiana may have additional state supplements.
• SSDI: There is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be $1,530 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,550 for blind individuals.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program and household size.

SSA SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)

SSA SGA Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)

If your income or circumstances change, you must report it to the SSA and FSSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension. Report changes promptly to ensure continued eligibility.

SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)

FSSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)

• Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
  Phone: 1-800-403-0864

  TTY: 1-800-743-3333

  Email: fssa@fssa.in.gov

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and state disability programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI benefits.
• Indiana Resource Center for Autism
  Phone: 812-855-6508

  Email: irca@indiana.edu

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For information and support for families and professionals.

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

  Yes, a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA criteria and family income is low enough. Medical documentation and a functional assessment are required.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Indiana for 2025?

  For 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Indiana may have additional state supplements.

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Indiana?

  Apply through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration website or local office. You will need a diagnosis of ASD and may need to complete a functional assessment.

• Can adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder get SSDI in Indiana?

  Yes, adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for SSDI if they have a qualifying work history and meet the SSA's disability criteria.

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

  An ABLE account allows people with ASD to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Indiana residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program.

• Are there work incentives for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Indiana?

  Yes, Indiana offers work incentives through SSI and SSDI, including the Ticket to Work program and Medicaid buy-in programs, which help people with ASD work while maintaining benefits.