Can i apply for social security for my child with autism?

Question

my son has recently been diagnosed with autism, does he qualify for social security?

Answer 1

Autism is a lifelong disability which makes him eligible for SSI (supplemental security income), in which they give him x amount of $'s per month depending on the parents income. You can apply for him, just because he is eligible to apply it does not mean he'll be approved..it's based off of your income and the information provided about his disability. You need to contact your local social security office or call the national number and get an appointment set up for an interview. Then you should go to social security website and begin the application process..they have a form called Child Disability Report you can fill out (takes about 2 hrs to do) but when you have your interview this will save you time..if you don't fill out the form online you will have to do it during the interview. (We did our interview over the phone). After the interview they sent paper work to us.. consists of a copy of the interview, consent forms to be signed for info from docs, therapists, etc. and what other info you need to send them. When you send the paperwork back, you  will need a certified copy of his birth certificate, proof of  income, the consent forms, copy of one of the parents ID (whichever parent does the interview and paperwork), any documentation from doctors, therapists, school etc that you have about his condition(s).. you have x amount of days to get it back to them from the day you received it. If you do the interview at your local office you will need to bring that info with you.

If you haven't yet, get him a speech language therapy assessment and an occupational therapy assessment, eg my son has autism but due to his autism he has receptive & expressive language disorder and oral aversion (results from his speech assessment). So due to his autism he could have other disorders as well..the more info provided about anything wrong with him is better. He is currently waiting for an occupational therapy assessment. If you get the assessments done ahead of the interview it saves alot of trouble in the long run..once he's applied or approved, any changes in anything has to be sent to them..eg any assessments done, change in income, etc. (they explain it all in the paperwork). Once they receive the paperwork if phone interview or if at local office it can take 4-6 months to get approved. Most applications do not get approved on the first try, so if not try again.

You may want to check with the school board for programs/services ..he may be eligible for including having speech language therapy and/or occupational therpay added to his school curriculum. If he is not old enough for kindergarten you can have him evaluated for special ed pre-k. Eg in our school district they cannot start pre-k until 4, but since my son is autistic I had him evaluated for special-ed pre-k and he'll be starting it within a week while he is still 3. Looking in a local autsim society can be a great place to learn about programs/services as well, it rans by parents and professionals. Looking into a local CARD center (center for autism and related diseases-usually at local universities) is also agreat place to learn about programs/resources. If the you enter your son into their database and attend an orientation they have superb services to provide..they have training classes from behaviorial basics, to potty training, feeding issues, IEP's & IDEA (individual education plan & individuals with disabilities education act), adult transition and many other classes..they will also go to your home and/or school (if school gives approval) and work with anyone on techniques to help him. The services are provided for free.

Answer 2

Go to the Social Security website and download the pre-application forms.  You will want to use them to get together everythin you would need to do the application. That can be done online, but I suggest making an appointment at the local Social Security office and doing it with someone there.  You will need to make an appointment with them anyhow to go over the application and set up any testing/appointments they feel need to be done to support your claims.

What many people don't realize is that SSI is not awarded solely on the level of disability but on the income of the household and the amount the child's disability will affect the income.  The cut off level for the income is actually faily low..for a family of four it is around $38,000.  If you make more than this, you probably are not eligable.  Even if you make less, unless you are paying a signifigant amount of out-of-pocket costs for your child's therapies, education and care you may not get anything or only a limited amount.  I do not tell you this to dissuade you, but so that you will know what to expect and be ready for a protracted application process that often leads no where.  If, in the end you are denied, you can always consult an attorney and re-apply.  We have never applied for our son who has moderate autism as we are above the financial cut off and nearly all his educational exspenses and theraputic costs are covered by the school and our health insurance.

Answer 3

It depends on how needy he is in relation to his age.  What I mean by needy is this... a three year requiring help with meals and getting dressed wouldn't be "needy" but a thirteen year requiring the same amount of help would be.   If you don't qualify now as a preschooler, he may five years from now.   I hope that makes sense.

In other words if your child doesn't need more assistance than other children his age, then no.  He probably will not qualify.  If he needs more (communication help, etc) than his peers then he may qualify.

I always told my students' parents, that it never hurts to try.  :)

Ask about respite, afterschool programs, summer camps,  and community based help too.

Answer 4

Social security disability has to do with his mental/physical limitations impairing his ADL aids (assisted daily living aids). Best to apply and pursue legal advise on that one...or you can read more about the ADA act to answer your question.

Social security income is what you are probably qualified for however that is income restricted. A family must have a certain annual income to receive this benefit-there is an income cap.

Answer 5

I believe any child that is American can apply for Social Security all you need is a valid birth certificate when you appear at their office.   You should apply and see if he can get services during the intake interview with a Social Security Worker.  All you have to do is go in an take a number and he doesn't have to be with you when you apply, just have all the important papers with you like a birth certificate and some patience

Answer 6

I have known people that have gotten SSI benefits for a child with autism