Published: March 19, 2025
Finding out that your child has autism can be overwhelming, especially when considering the support and benefits that your family can receive. As a parent, you might have many questions about the kind of therapy, educational resources, and communication tools you should provide your child. However, you need to consider the cost of these resources. This guide looks at the benefits and programs you can take advantage of as a parent of an autistic child.
Supplemental Security Income
One of the top benefits for children with autism is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a monthly government payment provided through the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is a means-based program that provides cash payments to individuals aged 65 or older or disabled persons.
However, the main question that parents ask is, is autism a disability under the SSA? The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) qualifies under SSI, so children with autism can receive support financially. As a parent, you can apply for the SSI program on behalf of your autistic child as long as they meet the medical and financial requirements.
Autistic children must have deficits in social interaction, and verbal and nonverbal communication. They must also have restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or activities. Parents must provide medical records to prove that their child has these deficits. Also, you need medical documentation of an extreme limitation in two or more of these areas:
- Understanding, memorizing, and applying information.
- Interacting with others.
- Focusing on activities.
- Adapting to changing environments.
The monthly payment depends on the parent’s income and the state where you reside. It’s best to apply for the SSI early since it takes three to five months to complete the process.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Aside from the SSI, another benefit for autistic children and their families is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is provided to adults with a disability that started before they were 22. However, SSDI is considered a benefit for children because it’s paid on the parent’s Social Security earnings record.
SSDI is suitable for those whose parents have worked and paid into Social Security. Also, SSDI benefits are not based on financial need but instead on the individual’s work history and disability. It can provide more financial assistance to families caring for a child with autism.
Medicaid Support
One of the most important benefits you can get for your autistic child is Medicaid support. Medicaid is a government program that offers health coverage to eligible individuals, including children with autism. If your child is accepted into the SSI program, you can receive Medicaid support automatically, depending on your state.
Medicaid provides coverage for autism spectrum disorder assessments and treatments for individuals under 21 years. Although it only covers treatments based on medical necessity, Medicaid can reduce a lot of pressure on parents of autistic children.
One way to receive Medicaid support is through the Waivers, 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services. This program provides care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including children with autism. It covers medical treatments, transportation, respite care, and in-home support.
Families caring for an autistic child can also open an ABLE account, based on the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014. This allows families of individuals with disabilities to open a private tax-advantaged savings account. You can save for expenses without affecting your eligibility for the SSI program and Medicaid. It makes it easier to save for the education and therapy of your autistic child.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Parents and caregivers with autism can consider tax benefits like the child and dependent care credit, which provides them with financial assistance. This credit allows parents or guardians to hire someone to care for their child while working or looking for work.
You should provide the necessary information on your tax return to apply for this benefit. This includes the care provider’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number. The credit is non-refundable and can affect your tax liability, but if the credit exceeds your tax owed, you cannot make a refund.
The child has no age limit, so it’s suitable for children with autism. It can provide a credit of up to $3,000 per dependent, for a total of $6,000 available. This amount can cover childcare expenses, including daycare, day camps, and after-school activities.
Taking Advantage of Benefits for Your Child
As a parent of an autistic child, you should consider different benefits and programs that can help in reducing your financial burden. From Supplemental Security Income, which can provide monthly financial support, to Medicaid support, which makes it easy to access healthcare, these programs can improve the quality of life of your family and autistic child.