Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Texas

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Texas, your Autism Spectrum Disorder must be medically documented and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5-step process to decide eligibility:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): You cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025.
• Severity: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to work.
• Blue Book Listing: Autism Spectrum Disorder is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 112.10. If your symptoms match the criteria, you may qualify automatically.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): If not listed, SSA assesses your ability to do past work.
• Other Work: If you cannot do past work, SSA checks if you can adjust to other jobs.

Children with autism must have “marked and severe functional limitations” to qualify for SSI[1][3][5].

In Texas, eligibility for disability benefits is determined by the Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS). For Autism Spectrum Disorder, DDS reviews medical records, school reports, and functional assessments to see if the condition meets federal criteria. Texas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with autism, which can provide support for daily living, therapy, and respite care. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal disability standards and Texas-specific income and asset limits[1][2][3].

• Gather medical records and school reports for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Check if your income is below the SSI/SSDI limits.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact Texas Health and Human Services.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Texas ABLE Program website[1][2][3][5].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including diagnosis, treatment history, and functional assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Step 2: Review income and asset limits for SSI and Medicaid waivers. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool if needed.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Include all required documents.
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in Texas.
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers, contact Texas Health and Human Services to apply for HCBS programs.
• Step 6: For ABLE accounts, visit the Texas ABLE Program website and complete the application. You must be a Texas resident and have developed autism before age 26.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, address, or medical status to avoid overpayments[1][2][3][5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for disabled workers who have paid Social Security taxes. Maximum benefit in 2025 is $4,018 per month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Children with autism may qualify if they have marked and severe functional limitations.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who qualify for SSI or Medicaid waivers.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months[1][3][5][6].

• Texas Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with autism, such as therapy, respite care, and supported living.
• Texas ABLE Program: A savings account for people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Must be a Texas resident and have developed autism before age 26.
• Texas Health and Human Services: Administers Medicaid waivers and other support programs for people with autism[2][5].

The Texas ABLE Program allows people with Autism Spectrum Disorder to save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like therapy, education, and transportation. To qualify, you must be a Texas resident and have developed autism before age 26. The account is managed by the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board[2].

• SSI: In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Children’s income and resources are also considered.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA amount.
• Medicaid Waivers: Income and asset limits vary by program. Contact Texas Health and Human Services for details[1][3][5].

You must report any changes in income, address, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes[1][3][5].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts.
• Texas Health and Human Services
  Phone: 2-1-1

  Hours: 24/7

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid waivers and other state programs.

• Can children with Autism Spectrum Disorder get disability benefits in Texas?

  Yes, children with autism may qualify for SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. They must also meet income and resource limits. Children can also receive benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record if the disability began before age 22[3][5].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for autism in Texas?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can provide monthly payments for autism if the condition meets federal disability criteria[1][6].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers for autism in Texas?

  Contact Texas Health and Human Services to apply for Medicaid waivers. You must meet federal disability standards and Texas income and asset limits. Waivers provide home and community-based services for people with autism[2][5].

• Can I save money with an ABLE account if I have autism in Texas?

  Yes, the Texas ABLE Program allows people with autism to save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. You must be a Texas resident and have developed autism before age 26[2].

• What medical documentation is needed for autism disability benefits?

  You need a diagnosis from a qualified professional, treatment history, and functional assessments. School reports and therapy records can also support your application[1][3].

• Do I need to be working to qualify for autism disability benefits?