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Washington • Neurological/Developmental
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Washington may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, state cash assistance, Medicaid waivers, and paid leave. Eligibility depends on age, income, work history, and how autism affects daily life and work ability.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical definition for everyone: your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,810 in covered earnings, up to four credits per year. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The SSA evaluates how autism affects your ability to work, communicate, and perform daily activities. Both programs require medical evidence showing the severity of your condition.
In Washington, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder may also qualify for state programs. The Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) cash assistance program provides up to $450 per month for singles and $570 for couples. ABD is for those who are low-income, age 65 or older, blind, or have a health condition that stops them from working for at least 12 months. You cannot get ABD if you are already receiving SSI. Washington also offers a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to SSI recipients, which adds extra money to federal SSI payments. Medicaid waivers (HCBS) can provide home and community-based services for children and adults with autism. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, resources, and how autism affects daily life.
Step 1: Collect medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and how autism affects daily life and work.
Step 2: Gather proof of income, resources, and work history.
Step 3: Decide if you need SSI (for low income and limited resources) or SSDI (for those with a work history).
Step 4: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. The application asks for personal, medical, and financial information.
Step 5: If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Appeals include reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council.
Step 6: For state cash aid, apply for ABD through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). You may need to apply for SSI first.
Step 7: For Medicaid waivers, contact DSHS or your local community services office. Waivers can provide home and community-based services.
Step 8: For paid family and medical leave, apply through the Washington Employment Security Department if you need time off to care for a child with autism.
Step 9: Keep copies of all documents and follow up regularly. Help is available from state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
SSA: How to Apply (accessed 2025-11-06)
DSHS: Apply for ABD (accessed 2025-11-06)
(accessed 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a work history and Social Security tax payments. Pays monthly benefits based on past earnings.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with low income and limited resources. Pays a monthly benefit to help with basic needs.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including children and adults with disabilities.
Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for those who would otherwise need institutional care.
SSA: Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)
Medicaid Waivers (accessed 2025-11-06)
Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Cash Assistance: Provides up to $450 per month for singles and $570 for couples. For low-income individuals who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a health condition that stops them from working for at least 12 months.
State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Extra money added to SSI payments for eligible recipients in Washington.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for children and adults with autism. Services may include respite care, therapy, and support for daily living.
Paid Family and Medical Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees to care for a child with autism.
DSHS: ABD Cash Program (accessed 2025-11-06)
Washington State SSI Supplement (accessed 2025-11-06)
(accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Washington, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are limited, and there are tax benefits. ABLE accounts can help with education, housing, transportation, and other needs.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Washington’s ABD program has its own income and resource limits, which are lower. The State Supplementary Payment (SSP) adds extra money to SSI payments for eligible recipients. Income limits change each year, so check with DSHS or SSA for current amounts.
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA or DSHS right away. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or if there is a mistake. You can appeal an overpayment decision or set up a repayment plan.
Contact your local DSHS office or a disability advocacy group for help with applications and appeals. Many organizations offer free assistance.
Yes, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and meets SSA’s criteria. Families must have low income and limited resources. The child must be under 18, and the family must apply for SSI on their behalf.
SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical proof that autism severely limits work and daily activities.
In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967 per month for individuals. Washington adds a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to this amount. The total depends on your income and living situation.
Yes, adults with autism may qualify for SSDI if they have a work history and enough work credits. The condition must prevent them from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
ABD is a state program that provides up to $450 per month for singles and $570 for couples. It is for low-income individuals who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a health condition that stops them from working for at least 12 months.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
DSHS: Disability Determination Services (accessed 2025-11-06)
Contact DSHS or your local community services office to apply for Medicaid waivers. Waivers can provide home and community-based services for children and adults with autism. You may need to meet income and disability criteria.
Yes, you can work and still get benefits, but there are limits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. Social Security has work incentives to help you try returning to work without losing benefits.
SSP is extra money added to SSI payments for eligible recipients in Washington. It helps cover the higher cost of living. The amount depends on your income and living situation.
The process can take several months to a year. It depends on how quickly you provide medical records and how busy the SSA or DSHS is. You can appeal if denied.
Yes, Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a child with autism. You must meet eligibility requirements and apply through the Employment Security Department.
