Pennsylvania • Neurological/Developmental

Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers federal and state benefits for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for workers. Eligibility depends on disability severity, income, and work history. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.

Autism Spectrum Disorder can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets Social Security's disability criteria.
Pennsylvania Medicaid covers therapy, doctor visits, and more for eligible individuals.
The Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program helps people with disabilities keep health coverage while working.
ABLE accounts let families save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Work incentives allow some to earn income without losing SSI or SSDI benefits.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

Open a Purple account

Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying work history and enough Social Security work credits. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability onset. Your autism must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA) and expected to last at least one year or result in death [6].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Your autism must meet Social Security's disability standards, and your income and assets must be below federal limits. In 2025, the individual income limit is $943/month and the asset limit is $2,000 [1].
Both programs require medical evidence showing how autism affects your ability to work and function daily [2].

Pennsylvania residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder can apply for both federal and state benefits. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), which covers therapy, doctor visits, and other services important for autism [1].
The Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program allows Pennsylvanians with disabilities to work and earn more while keeping full Medicaid coverage. To qualify, you must be 16–64, employed, have a disability that meets Social Security standards, and have countable income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and $10,000 or less in countable resources [4].
Children with autism may qualify for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for home and community-based services. Adults with autism may also qualify for these waivers if they meet eligibility requirements [4].

How to apply in Pennsylvania

Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
For Medicaid or MAWD, apply online at COMPASS.state.pa.us or at your local County Assistance Office.
Children may also apply for Medicaid waivers through the Office of Developmental Programs [4].

Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical documentation from a qualified healthcare provider. This should detail how autism affects daily life and work ability.
Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The Bureau of Disability Determination Services (BDD) in Pennsylvania will review your medical eligibility [2].
Step 3: If approved for SSI, you will automatically qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Pennsylvania. If you are working and have a disability, you may also apply for the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program through COMPASS.state.pa.us or your local County Assistance Office [4].
Step 4: For children with autism, apply for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) through the Office of Developmental Programs. These waivers provide additional services like therapy and support at home or in the community [4].
Step 5: Report any changes in income, work status, or living situation to Social Security and your state benefits office to avoid overpayments [1].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history. Benefits are based on lifetime earnings, and there are no income or asset limits. Family members may also receive benefits [1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Benefits are based on financial need, and there are strict income and asset limits. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Pennsylvania [1].
Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period. SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid instead [1].

Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Provides comprehensive health coverage for low-income Pennsylvanians with disabilities, including therapy, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. SSI recipients automatically qualify [1].
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD): Allows people with disabilities to work and earn more while keeping full Medicaid coverage. Premiums are based on income, and there are higher income and resource limits than regular Medicaid [4].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for children and adults with autism, including therapy, respite care, and support services [4].
ABLE Accounts: Let families save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Pennsylvania offers the ABLE United program [1].

Money & Banking

ABLE accounts allow families to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Pennsylvania offers the ABLE United program. You can open an account online and use funds for qualified expenses like therapy, education, and housing [1].

For SSI in 2025, the individual income limit is $943/month and the asset limit is $2,000. For MAWD, countable income must be below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and countable resources must be $10,000 or less [1][4].

Report any changes in income, work status, or living situation to Social Security and your state benefits office to avoid overpayments. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits [1].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact Disability Rights Pennsylvania for free legal help and guidance on applying for benefits. Call (800) 692-7443 during intake hours.

Contacts

Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Phone: 800-692-7443
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Website
Free legal advocacy and help for people with disabilities in PA.

FAQs

Can someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder qualify for SSI or SSDI in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if autism meets Social Security's disability criteria and you meet the income and work history requirements. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI requires a qualifying work history [1][2].
What is the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program?
MAWD is a Pennsylvania program that lets people with disabilities work and earn more while keeping full Medicaid coverage. You must be 16–64, employed, and have a disability that meets Social Security standards [4].
How do I apply for Medicaid for my child with autism?
Apply for Medicaid through COMPASS.state.pa.us or your local County Assistance Office. Children with autism may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for additional services [4].
What are the income limits for SSI in Pennsylvania?
In 2025, the individual income limit for SSI is $943/month and the asset limit is $2,000. These limits are set by the federal government and apply in Pennsylvania [1].
Can I work and still receive SSI or SSDI benefits?
Yes, both programs have work incentives. SSDI recipients can earn up to $1,550/month during a trial work period without losing benefits. SSI recipients can work but face benefit reductions [1].
What is an ABLE account and how does it help?
An ABLE account lets families save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Pennsylvania offers the ABLE United program for this purpose [1].

Official resources

Apply for Social Security Disability(state_agency)
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)(state_agency)
How to Qualify for Social Security Disability(federal)
Apply for MAWD Online(portal)
SNAP Benefits Changes(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult official sources or a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Ready to get started with Purple?