Getting SSI for Children with Autism

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  is a federal program that provides financial help to the elderly or disabled. In addition to needing to qualify based on age, blindness or disability, the program is also based on financial need, and the amount of benefit received depends upon the amount of income and resources you have. For a disabled child under the age of 18, the benefits will be determined by looking at the income and resources of both the child and the parents as well as the qualifying disability. SSI is available for children with autism as long as certain criteria are met. 

Autism Defined 

The first thing to understand when applying for SSI benefits is what exactly autism is. Autism is a developmental disorder that develops in a child sometime between birth through three years of age  For reasons unknown, the brain chemistry of an autistic child functions abnormally. Some factors that may contribute to autism include heredity, sensitivity to certain chemicals, mercury poisoning, and the child’s diet. Around one percent of children (1 out of 110) suffer from autism, and boys are affected three or four times more often than girls.     

Symptoms of autism can range in severity, but in general, the autistic child has difficulties in social situations. He or she may have trouble engaging in pretend play and becomes upset when routine is changed. Some children with autism have a heightened sensitivity to their surroundings and in their fives senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.     

Qualifying for SSI 

The Social Security Administration manages SSI benefits and has strict guidelines in determining the severity of a disability. Autism is one of the listed conditions that may make children eligible for compensation, but it must be of a sufficient severity as described by the "Blue Book" listing of impairments. 

Developmental deficits are listed in the blue book and grouped into two sections. The child must satisfy the criteria in both sections to qualify, and the developmental levels of the child need to be medically documented or shown with standardized testing.The first section has a list of qualitative deficits in the normal development of the child. These cover communication (verbal and nonverbal), pretend play, and social interaction. Also on the list is “restricted repertoire of activities and interests”. 

The second section is a little more complicated. It helps the SSA and parents to determine the required severity of the autism for different age groups: ages 1-3 and ages 3-18. A child aged 1 to 3 must have at least one deficit that is listed. These include fine and gross motor development, cognitive and communicative function, or social function that is equal to the level of children half his/her age or younger. For the child aged 3 to 18, he/she must have at least two of the deficits listed. These include marked difficulty in cognitive and communicative function, social functioning, personal functioning, or maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace.   

Level of Benefit 

If your child qualifies for SSI, the level of benefits will vary from state to state. The federal government will pay out a certain amount, and some states will supplement that with their own funds. After the paperwork is filed, it is sent to the Disability Determination Services in your state.

There is also a maximum amount that your child can earn and still qualify for SSI. For 2011, the child cannot earn more than $1000 a month, and this figure can change on a yearly basis. 

If your child begins receiving benefits, his/her case will be reviewed every three years. This continues until the child turns 18 and will need to be evaluated as an adult. 

Getting Help

If you are applying for SSI benefits for your child on the basis of autism, it may be in your best interests to get legal help. An attorney can explain to you what your options are for applying for benefits and can help you to get the evidence you need to prove the disability and begin receiving benefits for your child.