Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Tennessee

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Tennessee, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. Autism Spectrum Disorder is listed as a qualifying condition if it severely limits your ability to work or function independently. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and few resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying work history and enough work credits. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The SSA reviews medical records, school reports, and other evidence to determine eligibility [1].

• SSI: Based on financial need, not work history.
• SSDI: Based on work credits earned through employment.
• Both require proof of disability and ongoing medical documentation.
• Children with Autism may qualify for SSI if family income is low [2].

In Tennessee, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may also qualify for state programs. The Family Support Program helps families with children or adults with severe disabilities by providing respite care, home modifications, equipment, and other supports. The Katie Beckett program is for children under 18 with complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare due to parental income. Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices is a Medicaid waiver program for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism, that helps with employment and community living. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, disability severity, and other factors. State programs often require separate applications and may have waiting lists [3].

• Family Support Program: For families with children or adults with severe disabilities.
• Katie Beckett: For children under 18 with complex needs.
• ECF Choices: Medicaid waiver for employment and community support.
• State programs may have additional requirements and waiting lists.

• Gather medical records and proof of income or work history.
• Visit the SSA website or local office to apply for SSI or SSDI.
• For state programs, contact the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or local Family Support Council.
• Complete all required forms and submit supporting documents.
• Follow up on your application status regularly.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, school reports, proof of income, and work history.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. For children, apply for SSI if family income is low [2].
• Step 3: For state programs, contact the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or your local Family Support Council. Ask about the Family Support Program, Katie Beckett, and ECF Choices.
• Step 4: Complete all required application forms and submit supporting documents. For Medicaid waivers, you may need to apply through TennCare.
• Step 5: Follow up on your application status. The SSA may request additional medical exams or information. State programs may have waiting lists.
• Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision. Seek help from local advocacy groups or legal aid if needed.
• Step 7: Once approved, keep all records and report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments [4].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with low income and limited resources. For 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month [2].
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with a qualifying work history. For 2025, the maximum SSDI payment is $4,018 per month [2].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Federal program administered by states to provide home and community-based services. In Tennessee, this includes the ECF Choices waiver for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities [4].

• Family Support Program: State-funded program for families with children or adults with severe disabilities. Provides respite care, home modifications, equipment, and other supports. The current benefit limit is $6,000 per individual per year [3].
• Katie Beckett Program: For children under 18 with complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare due to parental income. Provides services and helps pay for medical care not covered by private insurance [4].
• Employment and Community First (ECF) Choices: Medicaid waiver program for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism. Helps with employment, community living, and support services [4].
• TennCare: Tennessee's Medicaid program, which covers health care for low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities [5].

ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. In Tennessee, ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are limited, and there are annual and lifetime caps. For more information, see the Tennessee ABLE account program [6].

• SSI: For 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month. Eligibility depends on income and resources. For children, family income is considered [2].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025 [1].
• TennCare: Eligibility depends on income, household size, and specific needs. For those with disabilities, income limits may be higher [5].

It is important to report any changes in income, work, or medical status to the SSA and state agencies to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits. For more information on reporting changes and avoiding overpayments, see the SSA guide [7].

• Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  Phone: 615-741-0101

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For federal disability benefits.

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

  Yes, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for SSI if their family's income and resources are below the limit. The SSA reviews medical records and school reports to determine eligibility. For more information, see the SSA guide for children with disabilities [6].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for Autism in Tennessee?

  SSI is for those with low income and limited resources, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both programs require proof of disability and ongoing medical documentation. For more information, see the SSI vs SSDI guide [2].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers for Autism in Tennessee?

  To apply for Medicaid waivers, contact the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or your local Family Support Council. You may need to apply through TennCare and provide medical and financial information. For more information, see the Medicaid Waivers guide [4].

• What is the Family Support Program in Tennessee?

  The Family Support Program is a state-funded program for families with children or adults with severe disabilities. It provides respite care, home modifications, equipment, and other supports. The current benefit limit is $6,000 per individual per year [3].

• What is the Katie Beckett program in Tennessee?

  The Katie Beckett program is for children under 18 with complex medical needs who do not qualify for TennCare due to parental income. It provides services and helps pay for medical care not covered by private insurance [4].