Getting Disability Benefits for Autism: What You Need to Know

Can you get disability for autism? The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes autism as a qualifying condition for disability benefits, but getting approved can be challenging. Many families receive denials because of strict qualifying requirements and income limits.

Children or adults with autism may qualify for financial assistance through SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), depending on their circumstances. To qualify, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s medical disability definition and other program-specific requirements. SSI benefits are based on financial need and require meeting strict income and asset limits. SSDI benefits, on the other hand, require a work history with sufficient Social Security credits, typically earned by a parent or guardian in the case of a child. Understanding these requirements can help you navigate these programs and access the support you need.

If you or someone you know needs help filing a disability claim, our firm can help. Harris Disability Law has experience in representing individuals with a variety of disability claims. Contact our office today to discuss your case for free.

Who Qualifies for Autism Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits for autism through two different programs. Each program has its own set of rules to qualify.

Both children and adults with autism can qualify for disability benefits. Adults over 18 can access two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Children under 18 from low-income households are eligible only for SSI benefits.

You must meet SSA’s strict definition of disability to qualify for either program. Your autism must prevent you from working at a substantial level for at least 12 straight months. Your condition must also limit work-related activities such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering.

The SSA reviews autism claims under listing 12.10 for adults and 112.10 for children. Medical documentation must show:

• Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
• Deficits in social interaction
• Substantially restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities

On top of that, you need to show these symptoms create an “extreme” limitation in one area, or “marked” (severe) limitations in two functional areas. These areas include understanding information, interacting with others, concentrating on tasks, or adapting/managing yourself.

Apart from meeting the medical criteria, there are additional requirements to qualify for disability benefits. For example, SSI has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI requires you to have enough work credits to be eligible. Learn more about the qualification requirements here in our SSI vs SSDI comparison.

Don’t give up hope if your autism doesn’t exactly match listing requirements. You might still qualify by showing your residual functional capacity rules out all employment.

Disability Benefits for Children with Autism

Parents raising children with autism can get vital financial support through the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSI (Supplemental Security Income) serves as the main support system available to children under 18 with autism.

Medical criteria for children under SSA Blue Book

The SSA’s Blue Book lists specific requirements under Listing 112.10 that children with autism must meet. Your child needs documented evidence of:

• Deficits in social interaction
• Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities

On top of that, your child must have either an extreme limitation in one area or marked limitations in two of these areas:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Interacting with others
• Concentrating on tasks
• Adapting or managing themselves

Financial eligibility and household income limits

A child’s SSI eligibility ties closely to household finances. The SSA looks at both the child’s and parents’ income and resources to determine eligibility. This is a big deal as it means that financial limitations are the main reason children with autism don’t get benefits.

Income limits for SSI in 2025 depend on your household situation. For a single parent with a child who has a disability, you may qualify if:

• Your work income is $3,993 or less per month (before taxes and deductions), or
• Your non-work income, such as unemployment or pensions, is $1,975 or less per month.

Again, these are just guidelines and specific circumstances may either increase or decrease this limit. For instance, the limit can decrease if your child earns any income.

How much can a child receive in SSI benefits?

The highest monthly SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per individual. The actual amount changes based on:

• Parental income and resources
• State of residence (some states give extra payments)
• Other benefits the family receives

Common reasons children are denied SSI

Many children with autism meet medical criteria but still get denied benefits because:

• Family income is too high
• Medical documentation isn’t enough
• Application forms are incomplete or missing information
• They can’t show severe functional limitations

Our team at Harris Disability Law knows that full documentation from healthcare providers, schools, and therapists makes applications stronger for children with autism.

Disability Benefits for Adults with Autism

Many adults with autism find it hard to keep steady jobs. The good news is that the Social Security Administration has two programs that provide vital financial support.

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

SSI and SSDI each serve a different purpose. SSI helps people who have limited income and resources, whatever their work history might be. SSDI works like an insurance program that you can access after paying into the Social Security system through your job.

Does autism qualify for disability under SSA rules?

Yes, autism qualifies for disability benefits under SSA rules. The administration looks at adult autism claims under Blue Book listing 12.10, which needs medical proof of:

• Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
• Deficits in social interaction
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests

These symptoms must cause “extreme” limitation in one area or “marked” limitations in two functional areas to qualify.

How benefits/eligibility vary for children and adults

The biggest changes happen at age 18. Parents’ income stops counting against SSI eligibility. Adults need to meet different disability standards than children do. Adults can also get both SSI and SSDI, while children only qualify for SSI.

Can adults with autism get disability benefits?

Absolutely. Adults qualify either by meeting listing 12.10 or by showing that their autism creates limitations that make full-time work impossible.

When SSDI applies for adults with autism

SSDI supports adults with autism who have earned enough work credits, typically 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. In 2025, the maximum monthly Social Security benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age is projected to be $4,018, based on maximum taxable earnings over a career. The estimated average monthly SSDI benefit for all disabled workers in 2025 is projected to be around $1,580.

SSI for adults without work history

Adults with autism usually ask for SSI instead of SSDI because they often lack enough work history. You need limited income and resources to qualify financially for SSI—less than $2000 in assets.

Adult disabled child benefits through a parent’s record

This option is a great way to get help. Adults whose autism began before age 22 might get SSDI benefits through their parent’s work record if the parent is:

• Deceased
• Getting Social Security retirement benefits
• Getting disability benefits themselves

“Disabled Adult Child” benefits often pay more than SSI. They don’t look at the adult child’s assets or unearned income to decide eligibility.

How to Apply for SSI or SSDI for Autism

Applying for autism disability benefits requires preparation and proper documentation. To get started, you’ll need to provide personal documents like a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and recent tax returns. Additionally, include medical records, diagnostic reports, and evidence showing how autism impacts daily life. Support statements from healthcare providers, teachers, or caregivers can also strengthen your application.

Starting your Social Security application in Nevada involves a few key steps, whether you’re applying for yourself or a child with autism. Adults typically need to complete the Adult Disability Report and may need to schedule a disability interview, while applications for children require gathering documentation from doctors, therapists, and schools, as well as proof of household income. It’s essential to begin the process promptly since benefits cannot be paid before the application date.

Review this comprehensive guide on applying for Social Security in Nevada—whether for adults or children. It outlines the process step by step and offers valuable tips to help you submit a thorough and accurate application.

What Happens After You Apply

The waiting game starts right after you submit your autism disability benefits application. The numbers tell a tough story – the vast majority of original applications get denied. Your best path to success often runs through the appeals process.

A denial notice shouldn’t crush your hopes. Harris Disability Law believes you should appeal instead of starting fresh with a new application. The clock starts ticking as soon as you get the notice – you have exactly 60 days to file your appeal. Missing this window means you’ll need to restart the whole process.

The Social Security Administration lets you appeal through four different levels:

1. Reconsideration: Someone new reviews your case from top to bottom
2. Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) : You get a chance to tell your story to a judge
3. Appeals Council Review: This becomes an option if the hearing decision doesn’t go your way
4. Federal Court Review: The last step available in the federal court system

Your benefits might continue during the appeal process if you take quick action. You’ll need to appeal within 10 days of getting your denial notice and ask to keep your benefits. This works best with medical disability stoppage cases.

Nevada residents can appeal online through the SSA website, send forms by mail, or walk into their local Social Security office. The quickest way to file is through SSA’s “Appeal a Decision” webpage.

Getting denied might shake you up if you’re new to this process. Remember that many successful autism disability claims travel through the appeals path before reaching approval.

Need Help with a Disability Claim?

Getting disability benefits for autism needs proper documentation, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. The process might look complex, but knowing your options between SSI and SSDI programs creates a clear path ahead. You’ll be better prepared to gather the right evidence and documentation before applying once you understand the specific requirements for children and adults.

Denials don’t mean the end of your experience. Most successful claims pass through at least one appeal, especially when you have hearings where approval rates improve by a lot. Your persistence and proper documentation are the foundations of securing benefits.

Our team knows the challenges families face while seeking autism disability benefits. Let us help you file a disability claim. Reach out to us for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions