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Nebraska • Neurological/Developmental
Nebraska offers several programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including federal SSI and SSDI, state disability payments, and family support services. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. Families can get help with daily living, medical care, and financial needs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in Nebraska, you must have a medically determinable condition that severely limits your ability to work. Autism Spectrum Disorder is listed as a qualifying condition for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits and your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it severely limits your daily activities [1].
Children with autism may qualify for SSI if their condition seriously limits their activities. Adults with autism who became disabled before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record, even if they have never worked themselves [7].
In Nebraska, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for state disability programs if they are denied federal SSI due to the disability lasting less than 12 months. The Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program provides financial help and medical coverage for those who meet state criteria. The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) program offers up to $400 per month for authorized services to help maintain independence and support family units. Eligibility for these programs is determined by a state review team and requires a diagnosis from a licensed medical professional [4][6].
ABLE accounts allow people with autism to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Nebraska offers ABLE accounts for eligible residents. These accounts can be used for expenses like education, housing, and transportation [internal_link].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967. To qualify, your income and resources must be below set limits. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work [1][2].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes [internal_link].
Contact Nebraska Total Care or your local Department of Health and Human Services office for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and help you gather the needed documents [2].
If you are denied SSI or SSDI, ask about Nebraska’s AABD or DPFS programs. These programs may provide financial help and services even if you don’t qualify for federal benefits [4][6].
Yes, a child with autism may qualify for SSI if their condition seriously limits their daily activities. The child must be under 18, and the family’s income and resources must be below SSI limits. Medical documentation is required [2][7].
If your autism is not severe enough for SSI, you may still qualify for Nebraska’s AABD or DPFS programs. These programs help people who don’t meet federal criteria but still need support [4][6].
Yes, adults with autism can get SSDI if they have enough work credits and their disability is expected to last at least 12 months. The amount depends on their work history [1][7].
To apply for Medicaid waivers in Nebraska, contact Nebraska Medicaid or your local Department of Health and Human Services office. You will need to provide medical documentation and proof of income [internal_link].
An ABLE account lets people with autism save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, and other qualified expenses. Nebraska offers ABLE accounts to eligible residents [internal_link].
Yes, you can work while getting SSI or SSDI, but there are limits. In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) may affect your benefits. Social Security offers work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits [1][3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The DPFS program offers up to $400 per month for authorized services like therapy, respite care, and home modifications. The goal is to help people with autism live independently and support their families [6].
You may qualify for AABD if you are denied SSI because your disability is expected to last less than 12 months. You must be determined blind or disabled by a state review team and meet income and resource limits [4].
If you are denied SSI or SSDI, you can appeal the decision or apply for state programs like AABD or DPFS. These programs may provide financial help and services even if you don’t qualify for federal benefits [4][6].
Yes, you can get help with your application from Social Security, Nebraska Total Care, or local disability advocacy groups. They can guide you through the process and help you gather the needed documents [2].
