Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits in Vermont

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet SSA’s definition of disability. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying work history and meet the SSA’s disability criteria. Both programs require medical documentation of ASD and its impact on daily life. SSI is for those with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have paid into Social Security through work.

• SSI: Must have income and resources below federal limits, and meet SSA’s disability definition.
• SSDI: Must have a qualifying work history and meet SSA’s disability definition.
• Both require medical evidence of ASD and its functional limitations.
• Children with ASD may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low.
• Adults with ASD may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on their own income and work history.

Citations: [4]

Vermont does not have a state disability insurance program. Only five states offer this, and Vermont is not one of them. However, Vermonters with Autism Spectrum Disorder can access federal disability benefits (SSI and SSDI) and state services for developmental disabilities. The Agency of Human Services provides developmental disability services, including case management, residential support, and employment services. Eligibility for these services is based on diagnosis, functional limitations, and need for support. Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with developmental disabilities, including ASD. These waivers help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid.

• No state disability insurance program in Vermont.
• Access to federal SSI and SSDI benefits.
• State developmental disability services for ASD.
• Medicaid waivers for HCBS for people with ASD.
• Eligibility for state services based on diagnosis, functional limitations, and need for support.

Citations: [2], [5]

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• For state developmental disability services, contact the Vermont Agency of Human Services.
• For Medicaid waivers, apply through the Agency of Human Services.
• For 3SquaresVT (SNAP), apply online or at your local Department for Children and Families office.
• Seek legal help if you need to appeal a decision.

Citations: [4], [5]

• Step 1: Collect medical records, proof of income, and proof of disability (such as a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder).
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or in person at your local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
• Step 3: For state developmental disability services, contact the Vermont Agency of Human Services. They can help you apply for services and determine eligibility.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, apply through the Agency of Human Services. You may need to provide additional documentation of your disability and need for services.
• Step 5: For 3SquaresVT (SNAP), apply online at mybenefits.vermont.gov or at your local Department for Children and Families office. If you receive disability benefits, you may not have to meet income limits.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Legal Services Vermont can help you with appeals and complaints.
• Step 7: Keep all records and update your information if your situation changes.

Citations: [1], [4], [5]

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who are disabled and have a qualifying work history.
• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI.

Citations: [4]

Vermont does not have a state disability insurance program. However, Vermont offers several programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder:

• Developmental Disability Services: Provided by the Agency of Human Services. Services include case management, residential support, employment services, and more. Eligibility is based on diagnosis, functional limitations, and need for support.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Waivers for home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, including ASD. These waivers help pay for services not covered by regular Medicaid.
• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Food assistance for low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income limits.
• Legal Services Vermont: Provides legal help for appeals and complaints related to disability benefits and services.

Citations: [1], [5]

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Vermont offers ABLE accounts through the ABLE United program. You can use ABLE account funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services. To open an ABLE account, you must have a disability that began before age 26 and meet SSA’s disability criteria. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility if the balance is below $100,000.

Citations: [5]

For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. The value of your home and one car are not counted. For SSDI, there are no resource limits, but your income must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. For 3SquaresVT, Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income limits if everyone in the household receives disability benefits.

Citations: [1], [4]

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For 3SquaresVT, report changes online or at your local Department for Children and Families office. If you have questions about overpayments or reporting, contact Legal Services Vermont.

Citations: [1], [5]

• Legal Services Vermont
  Phone: 1-800-889-2047

  Website

  Free legal help for disability benefits and services.
• Vermont Agency of Human Services
  Phone: 802-872-1100

  Website

  Developmental disability services and Medicaid waivers.

• Can people with Autism Spectrum Disorder get SSI in Vermont?

  Yes, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder can get SSI if they meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Children with ASD may qualify if family income and resources are low. Adults with ASD may qualify based on their own income and resources.

• Does Vermont have a state disability insurance program?

  No, Vermont does not have a state disability insurance program. Only five states offer this, and Vermont is not one of them. Vermonters must apply for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI.

• What state services are available for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Vermont?

  Vermont offers developmental disability services through the Agency of Human Services. These services include case management, residential support, employment services, and more. Eligibility is based on diagnosis, functional limitations, and need for support.

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

  Apply for Medicaid waivers through the Vermont Agency of Human Services. You will need to provide documentation of your disability and need for services. The agency can help you determine eligibility and apply.

• Can I get food assistance if I have Autism Spectrum Disorder in Vermont?

  Yes, you can get 3SquaresVT (SNAP) food assistance if you have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Vermonters with disabilities may not have to meet income limits if everyone in the household receives disability benefits.

• What is an ABLE account and can I get one in Vermont?