Can You Get Disability Benefits for Autism? A Guide for Children & Adults

How to Qualify for SSI or SSDI With an Autism Diagnosis

Introduction: Can You Get Disability for Autism?

If you or your child has autism, you may be wondering:

🧩 Can a child with autism qualify for SSI?

🧩 Can an autistic adult get SSDI or SSI benefits?

🧩 How much money can you receive for autism disability benefits?

The short answer:

✔ Yes, children and adults with autism can qualify for SSI or SSDI.

✔ Eligibility depends on the severity of symptoms and financial need.

✔ SSA considers autism a disability if it significantly impacts daily functioning.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

✅ How children with autism can qualify for SSI

✅ How autistic adults can get SSI or SSDI

✅ How much disability money you can get for autism

✅ How to apply for autism disability benefits

✅ How Purple helps track benefits & financial assistance

Let’s get started!

1. Can Children With Autism Get SSI?

✔ Yes, But There Are Financial & Medical Requirements

SSI for children is based on both medical eligibility and family income.
If a household’s income is too high, the child may not qualify—regardless of the severity of autism.

📌 To qualify, the child must:✔ Be under 18 years old (or under 22 if still in school).✔ Have a medical diagnosis of autism that significantly limits daily activities.✔ Meet the income & asset limits for SSI (parents’ income is considered).

💡 Tip: Even if a child doesn’t qualify due to parental income, they may qualify once they turn 18!

⚠️ How Autism Must Meet SSA’s Medical Criteria

SSA lists autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under Listing 112.10 (Neurodevelopmental Disorders).

✔ The child must show severe limitations in at least two of these areas:

Understanding, remembering, or applying information
Interacting with others (social challenges, communication difficulties)
Concentration and focus
Managing emotions and daily activities

📌 Medical documentation required:

School records (IEP, 504 plan, evaluations)
Doctor or psychologist reports
Speech/language assessments

💡 A diagnosis alone is not enough—SSA must see evidence of severe functional limitations.

2. Can Adults With Autism Get SSI or SSDI?

✔ SSI for Adults With Autism (Based on Financial Need)

Adults (18+) with autism can qualify for SSI if they meet income and medical requirements.
Parental income no longer counts after age 18.

📌 To qualify, an adult must:

✔ Have a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder.

✔ Show severe difficulty with work, social interactions, and daily living skills.

✔ Have limited income and resources (less than $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples).

💡 Most adults who didn’t qualify as children due to parental income become eligible at age 18.

✔ SSDI for Adults With Autism (Based on Work History or Parent’s Work Record)

SSDI is for adults who have worked but can no longer maintain employment due to autism.
If the applicant hasn’t worked enough, they may qualify under a parent’s work record (Disabled Adult Child benefits).

📌 To qualify, an adult must:

✔ Have a medical diagnosis of autism that prevents full-time work.

✔ Have worked and paid into Social Security (or have a parent who is retired or disabled).

💡 Even if an autistic adult has never worked, they may qualify for SSDI under their parent's Social Security earnings.

3. How Much Money Can You Get for Autism Disability Benefits?

✔ 2024 SSI Benefit Amounts for Autism

Maximum SSI benefit: $943/month (individuals), $1,415/month (couples).
The amount is reduced if the recipient has other income.

💡 If an autistic child or adult has no income, they may receive the full SSI amount.

✔ 2024 SSDI Benefit Amounts for Autism

The amount depends on work history or a parent’s work record.
Average SSDI payment: $1,537/month (varies by earnings history).

💡 SSDI has no asset limit—only work history matters.

4. How to Apply for Autism Disability Benefits (Step-by-Step Guide)

✔ Step 1: Gather Medical Documentation

📌 Required evidence:

Doctor or psychologist diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
School records (IEP, special education services, speech therapy).
Reports showing severe functional limitations.

✔ Step 2: Apply Online, By Phone, or In Person

📲 Online: Start at SSA.gov

📞 By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213

🏢 In Person: Visit your local Social Security office

💡 If applying for a child, SSA will review parental income.

✔ Step 3: Wait for SSA Review (May Take 3-6 Months)

📌 SSA may request additional medical records or schedule a consultative exam.

📌 If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.

💡 Many autism-related claims are initially denied—don’t give up!

5. How Purple Helps Track Autism Disability Benefits & Financial Assistance

💜 Track SSI & SSDI Payments – Know exactly when disability checks arrive.

💜 Monitor Application Status – Stay updated on your SSI/SSDI claim progress.

💜 Find Financial Assistance Programs – Explore housing, food, and therapy grants.

💜 Receive Alerts for Benefit Updates – Stay informed on eligibility changes.

💡 With Purple, managing disability benefits for autism has never been easier!

6. FAQs About Autism Disability Benefits

Can a Child With Autism Get SSI?

✔ Yes! If the household meets income limits and the autism diagnosis meets SSA's severity requirements.

Can an Autistic Adult Get SSDI?

✔ Yes, if they have worked or qualify under a parent's work record.

What If My Child Is Denied Autism Disability Benefits?

✔ Appeal the decision! Many autism cases are approved on reconsideration.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

📌 3-6 months for initial review (longer if appeals are needed).

Can You Get Both SSI & SSDI for Autism?

✔ Yes! Some adults qualify for both SSI and SSDI if their SSDI payment is low.

7. Conclusion: Yes, Autism Qualifies for Disability—Here’s How to Get Benefits

✅ Children with autism can qualify for SSI if their family meets income limits.

✅ Autistic adults may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on work history.

✅ SSA requires medical proof of severe limitations to approve benefits.

✅ SSI payments for autism in 2025 are up to $967/month.

✅ Use Purple to track your benefits and get financial assistance!

💜 Sign Up for Purple to Manage Your Disability Benefits for Autism!