Are there social security benefits for Autistic children?

Question

Or any other kinds of scholarships for schooling or health benefits. Anything would help us right now!

Thanks!!

Answer 1

If the child currently has no health insurance, he should be eligable for Medicare/Medicaid through the state (most states have plans exclusively for children).  Many states also have services available to children with autism, but you must apply for these programs and they tend to have waiting lists.  The best place for getting information on these two issues would be your state's welfare system (for the insurance) and the school district (for the support programs).  Keep in mind to get into the support programs, the child will need an official diagnosis from a doctor, not just the school district.

As for social security, the benefits your child could be eligable for are largely decided by the income of the household.  That means, even if you are single but living at home with your parents or sharing a home with your sister, the total income of all working adults supporting the house would be taken into consideration.  That makes it very hard for many families to qualify.  Also, getting SSI for a child with autism can be tough, so if you plan to file be sure to read over all the directions prior to completing the paperwork and going to your interview.  If you know anyone who has gone throught the process, ask them for input as well.