Filing for SSI for Children with Autism

Supplemental Security Income is a government program that gives financial assistance to citizens 65 or older and to anyone who is blind or disabled. SSI for children with autism can provide parents with the income they need to properly care for the child, but whether a particular child qualifies will depend on the severity of the disorder and the income and resources of both the child and the family. 

What is Autism? 

Autism is defined as a developmental disorder that normally presents itself before a child's fourth birthday. It affects the development of the brain with regard to communication and social skills. It is not known what causes this abnormality in the chemistry of the brain, but a few causes are suspected. These include the following:

• Genetic factors
• Mercury poisoning
• Diet, and sensitivities to certain chemicals, vitamins, and minerals

It is estimated that 1 in 110 children suffer from autism, and boys develop it between 3 and 4 times as often as girls.  

Children with autism have trouble in social situations and have trouble with pretend play. Some autistic children are very sensitive to external influences, including the five senses (taste, sight, smell, touch, and hearing). Some children also show strong attachment to certain objects and become distressed when their routine is interrupted.  

Requirements for SSI Benefits 

Autism is recognized by the SSA as a disability that can entitle a child to SSI benefits. To determine who qualifies, the SSA has a Blue Book that lists the severity requirements for autistic children. There are two sections of developmental deficits, and each section has to be applicable and medically documented for the child to be considered disabled by autism. The list is extensive, but includes the following general symptoms: 

1. The first section lists the required deficiencies in verbal communication and in interactions with the outside world. For example, a child who does not communicate with people or who has a very very limited range of interests that are abnormal for his/her age might meet the criteria defined in this first section.
2. The second section lists specific symptoms that must be present in children from 1 year old to 3 years old and children from age 3 to age 18, which are the following: 

• A young child will have to have one of the following: impaired motor skills, impaired communication skills or impaired social skills. Generally, the child must have skills in these areas that are no more developed than would be appropriate to a child half his/her age.

• Children from 3 to 18 need to have two of the following: marked or significant impairment in communication skills, marked or significant impairment in social skills, marked or significant impairment in personal skills, and/or difficulty in concentrating or pacing himself/herself.

Provided your child both meets these requirements and that income requirements are met, you may file disability for autism of your autistic child.

Filing for Benefits 

The availability of benefits for a disabled child under the age of 18 will vary from state to state because some states supplement what the federal government pays out. The general guidelines look at the severity of the condition and the child and family’s resources and income. 

• The condition must be severe enough to provide "marked" or significant limitations.
• The condition must have lasted for 12 months or must be expected to last that long.
• The child cannot earn more than $1000 a month (as of 2011). Parental income is also considered.         

When filing, parents need to be able to explain in great detail how the child’s autism has affected him or her. Parents will need to give permission for any doctors, teachers, therapists, and other professionals to be contacted so the severity of the child’s autism can be determined.  

When getting ready to file the paperwork, make sure you bring all medical records and school records that you have. This could speed up the process and will definitely help your case. After your paperwork is filed, it will be sent to the state where you live. Then, the Disability Determination Services will take over and assess whether your child qualifies

If your child qualifies and benefits are given, there will be a review every three years to re-asses the child’s condition to see if he or she still qualifies for benefits. Reviews will continue until the child is 18. At that time, he or she will need to be evaluated as an adult for disability compensation.

Getting Help

If you hope to collect benefits for a child based on autism, it can be a good idea to consult with an attorney. Your lawyer can assist you in determining if your child qualifies and can help you to collect the evidence you need to have your application approved.