Ssi If You Are Already 18 Or Older
If you are 18 or older and did not get SSI before turning 18, SSI says you are an adult and have a disability if:
- You have a physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments
- Your impairments limit your ability to work, preventing you from earning Substantial Gainful Activity , and
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months
Note: If you are blind, you could be able to earn more than $1,310 per month.
Some people who get SSI benefits before they are 18 lose their benefits when they turn 18 because they dont meet the adult definition of disability. Other people who couldnt get SSI benefits before they were 18 due to Parent-to-Child Deeming may now be able to get benefits.
Not everybody who meets the adult definition of disability automatically gets benefits. You must also have no other way to pay for basic expenses like food, rent, and utilities. If you are over 18, SSI decides whether you need help by looking at your income and how many assetsyou have, including savings accounts, stocks, and real estate.
If you have more than Substantial Gainful Activity in earned income, or too much unearned income, or if your assets are above the asset limit, you will not get SSI. If your income and assets dont exceed the limits, youll get monthly benefits. The amount of money you get each month will depend on your income.
Filing For Social Security Disability With Autism
When applying for disability benefits for yourself, or on behalf of an adult or child with autism, its vital that you collect as much documentation as possible. This manifests itself through medical records and doctors statements so your claim will have plenty of substantial evidence to support it.
Applying for disability benefits essentially communicates to the SSA that you or your loved one cannot care for themselves and earn a living due to the severity of your or their autism. Statements from friends, family members, caregivers, teachers, and others can help substantiate that the condition is developmentally limiting enough to be eligible for help. Additionally, following up on your application with financial records as well can help your claim. Paystubs or other income-related documents can help prove your case that youre in need of disability benefits.
Are Adults Eligible For Disability Benefits
It’s harder for adults to get benefits, experts say. It’s not impossible, but be prepared to demonstrate that the condition is so severe that it limits the person from getting meaningful work that allows for financial independence.
According to the SSA, adults must have:
- Medical documentation. Just like children, adults must have proof of communication deficits, social interaction limitations, and restricted behavior patterns.
- Extreme limits in one, or marked limits in two, mental functioning areas. These areas include understanding or applying information, social interactions, concentration, and adaptation.
If your loved one doesn’t qualify based on these rules, options are available. Experts say the SSA can evaluate the persons ability to perform in a work setting. Skills to evaluate might include the ability to:
- Sit still.
- Complete work at a competitive pace.
To qualify, the person must be unable to tackle these tasks in a work setting.
You May Like: What Is The Life Expectancy Of People With Autism
Does Autism Qualify You For Disability Benefits
Is autism a disability? The question is a bit controversial. Some adults with autism prefer to think of themselves as different rather than disabled. They work, marry, and live an independent life with some modifications without the disability label.
But some people with autism can’t live independently. They need significant accommodations, and some never have the opportunity to live independently. Adults like this might qualify for disability benefits.
Raising a child with autism can put a strain on family finances. In some cases, a child’s disability could keep a parent from full-time work. Families like this might also qualify for disability benefits.
Autism And Social Security Disability
Autism is estimated to affect anywhere from three to six children out of every 1,000 living in the United States, and that number may be going up. Experts estimate that the occurrence of autism has increased tenfold over the past decade. The limitations caused by an autistic condition can create significant financial hardships for the individual’s family. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of the financial burden caused by the condition. If you or someone you know is living with autism, you may be wondering how the condition affects an individual’s eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. The following information can help you understand the Social Security Disability application process and how the Social Security Administration reviews disability claims based on an autistic condition.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Life Expectancy Of People With Autism
Supplemental Social Security Income Plan Provides Financial Assistance To Individuals Over The Age Of 18 Who Have Limited Income And Resources
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism, it may be in your best interest to explore these programs. These steps will assist with beginning your dialogue with SSA:
Each individual living with Autism is unique and so is their SSA benefits case.
If you reside in the Austin area and recently received a SSA denial of benefits for your child, contact the legal team of Bemis, Roach & Reed for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will construct the appeal process so you can concentrate on what is most important, caring for your child.
Receiving Ssi Benefits For A Child With Autism
Social security for children with autism is designed to help parents with limited resources cover additional expenses that occur when caring for a disabled child with autism.
The SSI benefit is a monthly payment that helps parents of children with disabilities, and adults with disabilities, who have lower income and limited resources. The amount of the payment may differ between states because some states supplement the SSI for children with autism.
Eligibility for SSI disability benefits for a child with autism depends on the income and resources that are available to the child and other people living in the childs household. These income rules also apply if the child is away at school but still under the parents care and control.
Once a child is receiving SSI for autism, the SSA will review the childs medical condition to make sure that the disability criteria are still being met. This usually happens every three years. Parents are required to provide evidence of the childs limitations and proof that the child has been receiving medically necessary treatments.
When a child turns 18, the rules for receiving SSI change but the coverage can continue. In many cases, individuals who were not eligible for SSI before their 18th birthday become eligible because of income requirements.
Read Also: Can A Child With Autism Have Dyslexia
How A Child With Special Needs Can Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits
by admin2 | Sep 21, 2021 | Autism Resources
How A Child with Special Needs Can Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are the parent or guardian of a child who is disabled, he or she might qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration . To qualify for Supplemental Security Income , specific criteria must be met. A child is classified as an individual who is not married, not the head of a household, younger than 18, or younger than age 22 and a student regularly attending school. The disability program for a child is different than the disability program for an adult.
To be eligible for SSI, a child must either be disabled or blind. A child might qualify for disability benefits as soon as he or she is born because there are no minimum age requirements and might be able to receive disability benefits until he or she reaches age 18. Impairments are evaluated using the same disability criteria and definitions for adults. Any child who has a visual impairment might qualify for SSI based on the visual problems if their impairment meets the definition of blindness as set forth by the SSA.
What Are the Income Limits for SSI?
How Are SSI Payments Determined?
Meeting the Blue Book Requirements for A Child with Intellectual Disabilities
The requirements of the new listing:
The childs full-scale IQ must be 70 or below or there must be a full-scale IQ scale ranging from 71 to 75 with a verbal performance score of 70 or below and
Were Here To Help You Deal With This Unique And Often Misunderstood Disorder
Theres a reason the puzzle piece is a symbol for autism even the foremost experts would agree that they have much to learn as they work towards a greater understanding of the disorder. When youre dealing with a disorder that is not well-understood and a complicated set of legal rules, you need the right attorney on your side someone who not only has legal training, but also has an understanding of autism gained from experience handling cases like yours. At Keller & Keller, we have this experience, and can apply it in your case.
Special thanks to Keller & Keller paralegal Cassie Smith for research assistance.
Read Also: Is Freddie Highmore Actually Autistic
Student Earned Income Exclusion
Usually, if you make too much money, your SSI benefits will either go down or be stopped altogether. There are some exceptions to this rule, however, which SSI calls exclusions.
One of those exclusions is the Student Earned Income Exclusion . This exclusion allows students to earn up to $1,930 per month, and up to $7,770 per year, without having those wages count as part of their countable income.
In order to qualify for the SEIE, you have to be under 22, working, and regularly attending school. That usually means you have to go to school more than:
- 8 hours a week for college students
- 12 hours a week for grades 7-12, or
- 12-15 hours a week for employment training.
You make $1,050 per month at a summer job. During the school year, you also make $350 each month at a work-study job. Since the money you make doesnt exceed the monthly and annual limits for the SEIE, your SSI benefits wont go down at all.
If you drop out of school, you will no longer get the SEIE, and you will get a smaller benefits amount than you would if you had stayed in school. Stay in school! Youll get more money thanks to the SEIE, and when you graduate, youll get a higher paying job thanks to your degree!
If A Beneficiary Dies
Let them know if a person receiving Social Security benefits dies. Benefits are not payable for the month of death. That means if the person died any time in July, for example, the check received in August must be returned. If direct deposit is used, also notify the financial institution of the death as soon as possible so it can return any payments received after death.
Family members may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits when a person getting disability benefits dies.
If you are receiving both Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits based on your spouses work and your spouse dies, you must tell Social Security immediately. You no longer will be eligible to receive both benefits. You will be notified which survivor benefit you will receive.
Don’t Miss: Autism Visual Schedule
What Is Considered To Be Autism
There are a number of conditions that are subsumed under the categories of Autistic Spectrum Disorders or Pervasive Developmental Disorders . Conditions of this class can cause impairments in social interaction, independent living, and communication. An ASD or PDD condition is typically diagnosed within the first three years of a childs life. While there are no known cures for autism and related conditions, many individuals affected by the condition can achieve higher levels of functioning after treatment and within a supportive environment.
Embarking On The Benefit Application Process
When you are ready to begin an SSI claim on behalf of a child you care for, you can schedule an appointment with your local SSA office by calling the main helpline at 1-800-772-1213. Just keep in mind that there are typically long hold times when calling the SSA. If you can find a local number through the SSAs office locator, you may have an easier time making an appointment.
During your local office appointment, youll participate in a personal interview with an SSA representative. This representative will walk you through the SSI application, record your information and submit your claim for you. With a rich medical history, the person you care for should be approved in a couple of months.
To learn more about the Social Security Disability application process, from initially applying, to keeping benefits after being approved, visit .
About the author:
Deanna Power is the Director of Outreach at Disability Benefits Help, an independent organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities receive the Social Security benefits they need. She initially began working with people with disabilities by volunteering with Best Buddies, and now specializes in helping potential Social Security claimants determine if they medically qualify for benefits. If you have any questions on the application process, feel free to email her at .
You May Like: Autism Puzzle Piece Symbol
You May Like: Is Level 2 Autism High Functioning
Can I Get Ssi Or Social Security Disability For Autism
Claims based on Autism need to be supported with medical documentation showing several limitations
Does Social Security consider Autism to be disabling?
How exactly does Social Security evaluate a disability claim based on Autism?
Step 1: Non-Medical CriteriaStep 2: Severe ImpairmentStep 3: Medical ListingsStep 4: Past WorkStep 5: Other Work
Wondering If You Qualify?
Find out if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in just seconds with our free evaluation.
Childhood Disability Benefits For Autism
Well show you how adults who were disabled before age 22 can qualify for Childhood Disability Benefits if a parent is eligible to receive Social Security payments through retirement or death.
Dear Benefits Advisor,
My daughter was diagnosed with autism when she was 4 years old. She is now 18 years old and eligible for SSI. Is she eligible to receive SSD based on me and her fathers working and contributions to SSA? If so, what would need to be done to switch from SSI to SSD?
Angie
Dear Angie,
If you or your daughters father is receiving Social Security now or her father is deceased, you can apply for childhood disability benefits for your daughter. If those conditions are not now met, keep her medical records that establish the diagnosis and severity prior to age twenty-two. Later, when you or her father becomes entitled to benefits or dies, she can apply for CDB, assuming that she is not married at that time.
Sincerely,
Benefits Advisor
You May Like: Difference Between Fragile X And Autism
If You Get A Pension From Work
If you start receiving a pension from a job for which you did not pay Social Security taxesfor example, from the federal civil service system, some state or local pension systems, nonprofit organizations or a foreign government your Social Security benefit may be reduced. Also, tell Social Security if the amount of your pension changes.
How To Apply For Benefits
The Social Security Administration is a federal entity, but benefits flow from the states to people in need. In some cases, you’ll start the conversation online. It pays to know where your state’s benefits office is located, so you can get added help as needed.
To apply for benefits for kids:
- Make an appointment. Meet with a professional in the SSA in your state.
- Gather paperwork. You’ll need medical records, doctors notes, test results, notes from teachers, income data, and anything else that can help you prove your child’s disability.
- Complete an application. You’ll get the forms you need during your meeting, and you might fill them out before your appointment ends.
To apply for benefits for adults:
- Gather paperwork. Pull together medical records, employment records, notes from bosses, test results, and anything else that helps to prove a disability.
- Hop online. Apply for disability benefits through the SSA website. Save your work and return to an open application if you can’t complete the form in one day.
Prepare to wait several weeks before you hear back, experts say. The team must assess all the data you sent, and that takes time.
Recommended Reading: Autism Symbol
Social Security Benefits And Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a neurodevelopment disorder that involves the brain and its ability to process information. In the Autism Spectrum, there are three disorder types. These disorders include Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Asperger Syndrome . Each condition is present at birth. It is not unusual for individuals with AS and PDD-NOS to learn about their diagnosis until later years. When a person receives a diagnosis, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. However, most caregivers are unsure of how to file or what to do to earn benefits. Read on to learn more about social security benefits and autism.