Funding Autism Treatment with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays disability benefits to individuals who have paid Social Security taxes and worked for a certain number of years and their families. Adult children of people who have paid Social Security taxes may qualify to receive disability benefits under the program if their disability started before age 22 and if one of their parents is deceased or receives Social Security Retirement Benefits or SSDI.

In order to qualify for SSDI, an adult child must be at least 18 and unmarried. Unlike SSI, which is a needs-based program for people who have limited income and financial resources, SSDI is not based on financial need. You can apply for SSDI online.

The medical requirements are the same for both programs as is the process for determining disability. The Social Security Administration has specific criteria for “Autistic Disorders and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders” for both children and adults. The Social Security Administration also has specific evidentiary requirements for substantiating claims of disability. The Social Security Administration uses certain criteria to determine if a person is disabled.

SSDI benefit amounts are based on earnings history. Use a benefit calculator to determine the amount of SSDI benefits your adult child may qualify for.

If you are denied SSDI benefits, you may appeal the decision.