Getting Disability Benefits for Autism
Many people on the autism spectrum work and support themselves. Others, though, have more severe symptoms or symptoms that more specifically interfere with the ability to earn a living. In that case, the person may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. There are two ways someone on the autism spectrum may qualify for SSD: by meeting the criteria listed in the Social Security Blue Book, or by showing that the overall impact of autism and any other medical conditions prevents them from earning a living.
What is Autism?
There are many types of autism. The characteristics of the condition and their severity vary from person to person. For example, some people on the autism spectrum are nonverbal or have very limited verbal communication skills while others are quite verbal.
The condition is typically characterized by some combination of challenges in three areas:
- Social skills
- Communication
- Restrictive or repetitive behaviors and interests
People on the autism spectrum may be unusually sensitive to light, sound, or physical sensation, and may react badly to sensory overload. This can make it difficult or impossible to operate effectively in certain environments, including many workplaces.
Autism generally emerges in childhood, but some people are not diagnosed until they are adults.
Certain other medical conditions tend to occur in conjunction with autism. Some of the most common include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Seizures
When these and other separate conditions are present, they may be considered together with autism-related limitations to determine eligibility for SSD.
Qualifying for SSD for Autism
Blue Book Criteria for Autism
The criteria to qualify for SSD for autism are listed in Section 12.10 of the Blue Book.
To qualify for SSD based on the listing, the applicant must:
- Have medical documentation of qualitative deficits in verbal communication, nonverbal communication and social interaction, AND
- Have medical documentation of significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities, AND
- Show extreme limitation (inability to function independently, appropriately, effectively and on a sustained basis in this area) of at least one or marked limitation (serious limitation of the ability to function independently, appropriately, effectively and on a sustained basis in this area) of at last two of the following:
- Ability to understand, remember or apply information (such as learning and understanding terms, following one or two step verbal instructions and sequencing multi-step tasks)
- Ability to interact with others (such as initiating and sustaining conversation, asking for help and managing conflict)
- Ability to concentrate, persist or maintain pace (such as maintaining focus on work tasks, ignoring distractions, working at an appropriate pace and finishing work tasks on time)
- Ability to adapt or manage oneself (the ability to manage emotions and control behavior in the workplace, including responding to demands, adapting to changes and managing psychological symptoms)
It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate that each of the requirements is met. Typically, this will be primarily established through medical documentation over time. The applicant also provides information by completing a questionnaire about their health and day-to-day activities, and may submit a written statement. In some cases, it may also be beneficial to ask someone close to you who has observed the challenges your medical condition presents in your daily life.
SSD for Autism When You Don’t Meet the Listing
An SSD applicant who doesn’t meet the listing criteria for autism spectrum disorder (or any other condition) may still qualify for benefits if they can show that their medical condition or combination of conditions prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines the ability to engage in SGA as the ability to earn at least a certain amount per month. The exact cut-off point changes every year. In 2025, it is $1,620/month for most SSD applicants and $2,700/month for applicants who are blind.
When an applicant doesn’t qualify under a Blue Book listing, the SSA takes a more holistic approach based on the applicant’s residual functional capacity. This assessment takes into account the level of work the applicant is physically capable of, then uses grids to factor in the applicant’s age, educational level and past work experience. As a general rule, an applicant is more likely to qualify for SSD when they are older, have less formal education, and lack skilled work experience.
What Benefits are Available for Autism?
SSD benefits for autism or any other condition are determined based on the applicant’s Social Security work history. The amount of the monthly SSD benefit is the same as the amount the applicant would receive in retirement benefits if they had reached full retirement age before taking benefits. You can find out the approximate amount of benefits you may qualify for on the SSA website. SSD recipients also qualify for Medicare coverage after two years.
In some circumstances, a person who is considered disabled due to autism may receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For example:
- Children don’t receive SSD, but may be eligible for SSI benefits if they are considered disabled and they meet the financial eligibility requirements
- Someone receiving SSD benefits for autism may also qualify for SSI if they have very little income and few resources
- An adult who is considered disabled but doesn’t qualify for SSD because they don’t have sufficient work credits may qualify for SSI if they have low income and few assets
Get the Help You Need with SSD for Autism
Establishing an SSD claim for autism can be complicated because there’s no scan or blood test to produce evidence of the degree of limitation a person has in interacting with others or managing emotions. The itself process can be confusing and frustrating.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the SSD application or appeal process alone. The experienced disability benefits advocates at Disability Help Group have developed a deep knowledge of the procedures and the types of evidence required to establish a claim. We can handle pieces of the process for you and walk you through the parts you need to handle on your own.
To learn more about how we can help you fight for the SSD benefits you deserve, call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.