Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children With Autism
Entrusted Legacy Law
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Entrusted Legacy Law
Apr 21, 2023
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
Email US
Click to Email Us
In 2022, the cost of raising a child in the U.S. to age 17 was roughly $17,000 per year. For families of children with disabilities, that estimate runs far higher.
The costs of such necessities as health interventions and behavioral therapies, assistive technology, medications, child care, and sensory-friendly items can mean parents raising a child with autism to adulthood will pay about $60,000 annually, according to nonprofit Autism Speaks. Depending on the severity of the child’s disability, those costs can easily escalate further.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who meet certain criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be able to secure public benefits that can offset these costs to some degree.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one such public benefits program. It is a federal assistance program that provides modest financial support in part to help families caring for children with disabilities. SSI is also a “means-based” program; to be eligible, the recipient’s resources cannot exceed extremely strict and specific limits. Note that the income and assets of the child’s parents can affect SSI eligibility.
Is Autism a Disability According to the SSA?
The Social Security Administration lists autism as a disability. Children with ASD could meet the SSA’s definition of disability, qualifying for SSI. Autism is a spectrum disorder affecting individuals differently. Eligibility depends on the severity of autism and how it affects a person’s abilities. For children and adults, the SSA lays out the medical criteria for determining whether individuals with autism can receive benefits.
The SSA recognizes youths with autism as disabled when they have medical documentation of deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, as well as significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
They must also have an extreme limitation in one, or marked limitation of two, of the following mental functioning domains:
Understanding, remembering, or applying information.
Interacting with others.
Concentrating, persisting, and maintaining pace.
Adapting or managing themselves.
When children with ASD receive SSI, they get a monthly payment that helps cover certain needs. In addition to using monthly payments to cover basic needs, families who may have limited resources can also use SSI to cover expenses related to autism, such as therapy, educational programs and summer camps, communication devices and sensory tools, and respite care.
Accessing Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Children With Autism
Children who meet the SSA’s disability criteria for autism must also have resources that fall under the SSA’s limits. The administration considers the income and resources of a child as well as family members. Even if a child spends time in a residential program, household members’ finances factor into the decision.
To access SSI benefits for a child with ASD, families need records to show that their child’s autism significantly impairs them. These records typically come from health care providers as well as schools.
How Much Does a Child With Autism Get From SSI?
In 2023, the maximum monthly benefit for SSI is $914 per individual. However, the amount of Supplemental Security Income that a child with autism can receive depends on numerous factors:
The child’s financial status, including the income and resources of parents and guardians; additional sources of income offset monthly Supplemental Security Insurance payments.
The child’s state of residence; states have different rules determining how much assistance they provide. Some states supply additional payments to SSI recipients to offset the cost of living.
In many states, children with ASD who receive SSI benefits are automatically eligible for Medicaid, a joint federal and state health insurance program for people with low incomes and limited resources. Other states have different eligibility rules for Medicaid, and SSI recipients may need to apply separately for Medicaid coverage.
How to Apply for SSI for a Child With Autism
Parents can apply for benefits for their children by taking the following steps.
The first step is completing the Child Disability Report. This includes providing information about the child’s medical conditions, medical records, and education.
After completing the Child Disability Report, you must contact the Social Security Administration to complete the application. The state agency decides whether the child is eligible for SSI.
To make this decision, the agency reviews the information the applicant provides and conducts a disability interview. If needed, the agency can request additional evaluations at its expense.
It can take three to five months to receive a decision. Applicants can appeal if they disagree with the outcome.
Consult With an Attorney
If you are considering applying for SSI benefits for a child with autism, consider speaking with a special needs planning attorney. An attorney can guide you through the process, help you present a robust application, and address your unique needs.
Here at Sharek Law Office, we are qualified to help you and yours in special needs planning. Call us at 412-547-9855 or click here to schedule your free 15-minute introductory phone meeting to discuss tools like special needs trusts and ABLE accounts for you and yours.
This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.shareklaw.com/post/supplemental-security-income-ssi-for-children-with-autism
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Signs It May Be Time for Assisted Living
Watching a parent age can be an emotional and challenging journey. As adult children, we want to honor their independence while ensuring their safety and well-being. One of the most difficult questions many families face is: Is it time for Mom or Dad to move into an Assisted Living community?Theres no single answer that fits every situation, but understanding the signs and weighing the options can help guide you toward the right decision one that supports your parents dignity, safety, and quality of life.Here are some signs that could indicate your parent would benefit from the support of an Assisted Living community:1. Decline in Personal HygieneHave you noticed your parent wearing the same clothes repeatedly, skipping showers, or struggling with grooming? These changes may indicate that daily routines have become too physically or mentally demanding.2. Frequent Falls or Safety ConcernsA history of falls or difficulty navigating the home (especially stairs or bathrooms) is a major red flag. Assisted Living communities are built for safety, with features like handrails, emergency response systems, and staff trained in fall prevention.3. Isolation or WithdrawalHas your parent stopped attending social gatherings, church, or other activities they once enjoyed? Isolation can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and even physical health issues. Assisted Living offers built-in socialization opportunities and a sense of community.4. Missed Medications or Medical AppointmentsForgetting medications or doctor visits can have serious consequences. Assisted Living ensures medication is administered correctly and that residents stay on top of their health care.5. Weight Loss or Poor NutritionIf the refrigerator is empty or meals are skipped, your parent may not be getting the proper nutrition. Assisted Living provides regular, balanced meals tailored to individual dietary needs.6. Difficulty Managing the HouseholdUnpaid bills, cluttered rooms, or neglected home repairs can signal that maintaining a home has become overwhelming. Assisted Living eliminates the burden of housework, allowing your parent to focus on enjoying life.Overcoming Guilt and ResistanceIt's normal to feel guilty about the idea of moving a parent into an Assisted Living community and its also normal for your parent to resist the change. But reframing the conversation can help. Focus on the benefits: more freedom, less stress, safety, and opportunities to socialize and enjoy life.Involve them in the decision-making process whenever possible. Visit communities together, talk to staff, and explore what daily life looks like. Often, the fear of the unknown is worse than the reality. Serving Our Seniors LLC is a senior living placement agency dedicated to helping older adults and their families throughout Southwestern PA navigate the complexities of finding the right living arrangements. Whether transitioning from a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or directly from home, we work closely with you to identify the best options tailored to your preferred location, budget, and care requirements. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalized support throughout the process.
5 Essential Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
Choosing the right assisted living community for a loved one is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make. Its not just about finding a place to liveits about finding a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where your loved one can thrive. Touring communities in person is a vital part of the decision-making process. However, many families walk into their first tour unsure of what questions to ask or what details to focus on.As a local senior living advisor, Ive helped countless families navigate this process, and I know that preparation makes all the difference. Asking the right questions can uncover details that might not be obvious from a brochure or website, and it can help you feel more confident in your choice. Here are five key questions I always recommend asking during any assisted living tour, along with why they matter and what to look for in the answers.What Levels of Care Are Offeredand Can They Change as Needs Change?Every seniors care needs are unique and can evolve over time. Some assisted living communities primarily provide basic help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. Others offer more advanced support, including memory care for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia, or even skilled nursing for medical needs.Its essential to ask about the scope of care the community provides today and whether those services can increase if your loved ones health changes. For example, if your loved one later requires memory care or additional nursing services, will they be able to stay in the same community, or will you need to move them elsewhere? Communities that offer multiple levels of care, sometimes called continuum of care or aging in place, can provide significant peace of mind because they reduce the likelihood of another move during a difficult time.What Is Included in the Monthly Cost?Assisted living pricing can vary significantly, and understanding what isand isntincluded in the monthly fee is essential for budgeting. Some communities offer all-inclusive pricing, covering meals, housekeeping, activities, transportation, and basic personal care. Others use a tiered or la carte approach, charging additional fees for services such as medication management, incontinence care, or assistance with mobility.Ask for a clear breakdown of costs and review any potential add-on charges. For instance, how much does it cost if your loved one needs help beyond whats considered basic care? Are there annual rate increases, and if so, what is the typical percentage? Clarity in pricing now can prevent financial surprises later and helps you accurately compare one community to another.How Is the Community Staffed?A beautiful building and impressive amenities mean little without proper staffing. The quality of care your loved one receives depends heavily on how many caregivers are available and how well-trained they are. During your tour, ask about the staff-to-resident ratio, both during the day and on overnight shifts. A community may appear well-staffed during the day, but its equally important to know how many caregivers are present during evening and overnight hours when emergencies can arise.Its also worth asking how medical issues and emergencies are handled after hours. Is there a nurse or healthcare professional on-site 24/7? How quickly can staff respond in the event of a fall or medical emergency? Communities that prioritize staffing and training often deliver safer, more attentive care, which directly impacts your loved ones quality of life.What Activities and Social Opportunities Are Available?Quality of life in assisted living isnt only about physical careits also about staying mentally, socially, and emotionally engaged. When you visit, ask about the communitys activity schedule and how they encourage residents to participate. Are there opportunities beyond bingo and basic exercise classes? Look for diverse options such as art workshops, music therapy, book clubs, day trips, gardening, fitness classes, and technology training.A robust social calendar keeps seniors active and engaged, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall well-being. Ask whether the community offers individualized programs for residents with memory loss or physical limitations, as inclusivity can make a big difference in how supported your loved one feels.What Is the Overall Culture and Atmosphere Like?While facts and numbers are important, dont underestimate your gut feeling during a tour. Pay close attention to the overall atmosphere of the community. Do residents seem happy, social, and engaged, or do they appear withdrawn and disengaged? Are staff members friendly, approachable, and interacting positively with residents?Ask how long caregivers and leadership staff have been with the community. High turnover can sometimes be a red flag, while a stable, long-term staff often indicates a positive working environment that translates to better resident care. If possible, speak with a current resident or family member during your visit to hear about their experience firsthand. Sometimes these informal conversations reveal insights that brochures and websites cant convey.You Dont Have to Tour AloneTouring assisted living communities can feel overwhelming, especially when youre navigating it for the first time. But you dont have to do it alone. As a local senior living advisor, I help families identify the right communities based on care needs, location, lifestyle, and budget. I assist with scheduling tours, preparing questions, and even joining families during tours to ensure no detail is overlooked.Working with a senior living advisor saves time and reduces stress, helping families make confident, informed decisions. Best of all, these services are typically provided at no cost to you because communities pay for placement services, not families. Choosing the right assisted living community is a deeply personal decision. Asking the right questions during a tour can reveal valuable insights about care quality, pricing, staffing, social engagement, and overall atmosphere. If you feel overwhelmed by options or simply want expert support in making the best decision for your loved one, consider reaching out to a local senior housing advisor. Having an experienced professional guide you through the process can make all the differenceand ensure that your loved one finds a safe, comfortable, and enriching place to call home.
From Hospital Discharge to Safe Recovery: Western PA Resources Every Family Should Know
From Hospital Discharge to Safe Recovery: Western PA Resources Every Family Should KnowLeaving the hospital is just the first step in recovery. In Western Pennsylvaniawhere seniors often live independently in suburban and rural communitiescareful planning and the right support can dramatically reduce readmissions and help loved ones regain strength at home. Heres a roadmap of essential resources every family should know.Key Transitional Support ServicesTransitioning home safely involves coordinating medical care, home supports, and community resources. Below are five cornerstone programs and agencies that work together to smooth that transition.How These Resources Work TogetherDischarge Planning (UPMC & Other Hospitals)Beginning 12 days before discharge, your hospitals discharge planner will draft a personalized plan covering medications, follow-up appointments, home-safety needs, and recommended home-health services upmc.comupmc.com.Transition Coaching (WPA CCTP)Within 30 days of referral, a coach from the Community Care Transitions Program meets with youeither in-hospital or at hometo ensure youve connected with home-health agencies, durable medical equipment suppliers, and your Area Agency on Aging cms.gov.Home Health & Nursing SupportAgencies like the Visiting Nurses Association provide skilled nursing visits, physical or occupational therapy, and remote monitoring to catch complications earlyreducing emergency calls and readmissions.Medical Advocacy & Ongoing CoordinationIf multiple providers are involved or care plans shift, IKORs RN Patient Advocates help coordinate across specialists, clarify orders, and adjust support levelsso nothing falls through the cracks.Long-Term Supports & Caregiver ResourcesCounty Area Agencies on Aging and organizations like Family Caregiver Alliance offer workshops, respite care grants, home-modification assistance, and peer coachinghelping families sustain safe, dignified care over weeks and months.Tips for a Smooth TransitionBe Proactive: Meet your discharge planner early. Prepare questions about home adaptations, medication side effects, and warning signs.Engage Multiple Resources: Dont rely on a single agencycombine nursing visits, transition coaching, and caregiver education for comprehensive support.Secure Home-Safety Improvements: Ask your Area Agency on Aging about minor repair programs (grab bars, ramps) before discharge.Use 24/7 Support Lines: Keep IKOR or your home-health agency on-call number handy for any urgent medication or care-coordination issues.Plan Follow-Up Appointments Immediately: Schedule primary care and specialist visits within 710 days of discharge to catch early complications.A coordinated, multi-agency approach transforms a potentially risky homecoming into a confident, well-supported recovery journey. If youre planning a hospital discharge for a loved one in Western Pennsylvania, reach out to CarePatrol of Western Pennsylvania for a free consultation. Well help you navigate these programs, arrange tours of post-acute care providers, and ensure a safe, smooth recovery at home.
Local Services By This Author
Entrusted Legacy Law
Estate Planning 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Estate Planning for Everyone You Love and Everything You OwnHave you ever considered what would happenlegally and financiallyto you, your family, your assets, and everything you care about if the unexpected were to occur?If your estate plan is outdated or non-existent, your assets could be lost to the State Department of Unclaimed Property, subjected to an expensive and time-consuming probate process, or even end up in the wrong hands. Without a comprehensive estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary financial hardship, legal disputes, or court intervention at a time when they need certainty and protection the most.If you dont know exactly what would happen to everything you own and everyone you love, the first step is to gain clarity. You need to understand how your current estate plan (or lack thereof) will impact your family so you can make informed decisions about whether it truly aligns with your wishes.How Entrusted Legacy Law Helps You With Estate PlanningWe offer customized estate planning solutions designed to protect your family, preserve your wealth, and ensure your wishes are honored. Through our Life and Legacy Planning Session, we take the time to educate you on the legal, financial, and personal implications of your estate choices.Step 1: The Life and Legacy Inventory & AssessmentBefore your Life and Legacy Planning Session, you will complete a comprehensive estate inventory that outlines your financial assets, real estate holdings, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other valuable property. This step ensures that we have a full picture of your estate and can identify potential gaps in your asset protection strategy.Step 2: Creating a Personalized Estate PlanIf you decide that your current estate plan is inadequateor if you dont have one at allwe will work together to design a legally sound and strategically structured estate plan that meets your familys unique needs. The foundation of your estate plan will often include a revocable living trust, which allows you to transfer your assets into the trust while maintaining control during your lifetime.Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust: Avoid Probate Prevents the time-consuming and expensive court process that could otherwise delay asset distribution. Minimize Estate Taxes Helps reduce tax liabilities and protect your wealth for future generations. Ensure Privacy Unlike a will, which becomes public record, a trust ensures your estate remains private. Maintain Control Dictate how and when your assets are distributed to your heirs.For families with complex financial portfolios, business ownership, or special circumstances (such as blended families or special needs children), we offer advanced estate planning strategies tailored to your specific goals.Can You DIY Your Estate Plan?Many people wonder if they can create an estate plan using online templates or generic legal services. Unfortunately, most DIY estate plans fail when families need them the most. What often passes for "estate planning" is nothing more than basic document generation, where you answer a few questions and receive a generic template that may not fully protect your assets or your loved ones. No Personalization A generic template cannot address your unique family dynamics, financial situation, or specific legal concerns. Legal Loopholes Improperly structured wills or trusts may be contested in court, leaving your family in legal disputes. No Ongoing Maintenance Estate laws change, and without updates, your plan may become outdated and ineffective.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we dont just draft documentswe provide comprehensive estate planning services that ensure your estate plan actually works when it matters most. We take the time to understand your familys needs, educate you on your options, and create a legally enforceable, tax-efficient, and conflict-free estate plan that gives you peace of mind.Protecting Families & Minor Children Through Estate PlanningIf you are a parent with young children, your estate plan should begin with a solid foundation that ensures your children will always be taken care of, no matter what happens. Without the proper legal protections in place, your children could end up in the custody of someone you wouldnt have chosenor worse, under state guardianship.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for families with minor children. We help parents:Name Legal Guardians Ensure your children are raised by trusted individuals of your choosing.Set Up Trusts for Minor Children Prevent financial mismanagement by appointing a responsible trustee to oversee assets.Establish Emergency Plans Provide clear instructions for immediate care in case of sudden incapacity or death.Whether youre planning for minor children, adult dependents, elderly parents, or a complex estate, we can guide you through the estate planning process with personalized strategies to protect your familys future.Secure Your Legacy With Entrusted Legacy LawEstate planning isnt just about who gets whatits about ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure, legally protected, and prepared for the future.If you want to create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your wishes, avoids probate, minimizes taxes, and keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict, then now is the time to take action Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to schedule your Life and Legacy Planning Session and take the first step in protecting your family, your assets, and your future.
Entrusted Legacy Law
Elder Law 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.
Entrusted Legacy Law
Special Needs Trusts 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Comprehensive Special Needs Estate Planning & Special Needs Trusts in PennsylvaniaEstate planning for families with special needs children presents a unique set of financial, legal, and healthcare challenges that require the expertise of a special needs planning attorney. Not all estate planning lawyers understand the intricacies involved, but the experienced special needs estate planning attorneys at Entrusted Legacy Law are dedicated to ensuring your child with special needs is fully protected when you are no longer able to serve as their primary caregiver.We provide a full range of estate planning services tailored to families with special needs children in Pennsylvania. Our goal is to help you preserve assets for your childs future care while ensuring they remain eligible for essential government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We assist in setting up special needs trusts (SNTs) to safeguard financial resources, appointing legal guardians and trustees, and identifying long-term care options to ensure your child receives the best possible support and housing solutions.Special Needs Trusts & Asset ProtectionOne of the most significant challenges in special needs financial planning is ensuring that your child has adequate resources without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance programs. Many families unknowingly risk disqualifying their child from essential benefits by leaving them a direct financial inheritance. Instead, the best strategy is to establish a special needs trust to provide financial security while preserving their access to Medicaid, SSI, and other government assistance programs.A properly structured special needs trust allows funds to be used for supplemental expensessuch as medical care, therapy, education, and personal carewithout affecting eligibility for disability benefits. However, the regulations governing these trusts are complex. Funds must be managed by a designated trustee and cannot be distributed directly to the beneficiary, as this could trigger disqualification from public benefits. Additionally, a child's needs evolve over time, making it critical to have a trust that can adapt to changing circumstances and legal requirements.By working with an experienced Pennsylvania special needs attorney, you can ensure that your childs special needs trust is legally sound, structured correctly, and customized to their specific requirements.Special Needs Planning for Families in PennsylvaniaAt Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for children with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental or intellectual disabilities. Our firm helps families create a comprehensive life care plan that provides financial security while safeguarding access to government benefits and essential support services.Whether you need help establishing a special needs trust, securing a legal guardian, or planning for long-term care and housing, our Pennsylvania special needs planning attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to start creating a sustainable, secure future for your child with special needs.