Disability for Autism | Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor

Is Autism a Disability for Social Security?

When you have autism, you experience the world differently from most people. When you care for someone who has autism, you share the challenges that your loved one faces every day.

You know that autism is a spectrum disorder coming in many forms and levels of severity. Many people with autism work, achieve and function at high levels. But autism can be limiting enough to make working for a living impossible.

When autism is an impediment to holding a job, Social Security Disability benefits are a great option for you or a loved one to make ends meet and live a more steady, fuller life.

Autism is a federally recognized disability, but proving that it prevents you from working isn’t so simple.

Social Security requires in-depth evidence of your condition and its severity before awarding you disability benefits. The disability benefits application involves complicated forms and procedures, and even the smallest mistake may lead to your claim being denied.

Autism is often misunderstood. But the experienced team of Oregon disability lawyers at Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor listen and care. We can help you or your loved one find financial relief.

We’ve been helping Oregonians since 1980, bringing dignity and respect to people in difficult situations.

What Types of Social Security Disability Benefits for Autism Are There?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, impacts how you interact with people, communicate, think and behave. You may have repetitive behaviors, or difficulty verbalizing your thoughts.

For parents caring for a child with autism, we know it’s an all-consuming mission.

Social Security provides disability benefits to relieve some of the financial strain on families.

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI: If you have little income and care for a child under 18 with severe autism, SSI may be an option. Qualifying is based on how many financial resources you have, whether there are two earning adults in the household, and how many children are in your care.
Once a child with autism turns 18, Social Security will revisit their case to determine whether they’re still eligible for SSI as an adult. Chances are good they have not held a job that Social Security considers “substantial gainful activity,” which means they likely can keep these benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):Because you need a work history to be eligible for SSDI, people with severe autism identified in childhood may not qualify. But a person with autism who was able to work for a time and now faces bigger health obstacles can get assistance from SSDI. Also, adults with autism who have a parent with a qualifying Social Security record can get SSDI.

If someone in your family lives with autism, give Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor a call today. We have offices in Eugene-Springfield, Albany, Roseburg, Coos Bay and Medford. Our skilled Oregon disability lawyers can evaluate your case FOR FREE.

Let us help you and your loved one secure financial relief and stability.

How To Prove You Qualify for Social Security Disability for Autism

Despite the challenges autism creates, Social Security won’t take your word that your case warrants benefits. You must prove your inability to work.

Because autism varies from person to person, disability claims are tricky. Social Security requires medical documentation showing:

1) Severe problems communicating and interacting with people

2) Behavior, interests or activities that are significantly restricted and fall into repetitive patterns

3) AND major limitations in ability to understand and apply information, concentrate or persist in tasks, or adapt to and manage oneself in changing situations

Medical documentation can include reports from your doctors, treatment records, interventions, or medications, and psychological test results, among others. Your case can also include non-medical evidence, such as stories of your daily life from people who know you.

Collecting all this information is hard. If you’re dealing with autism and you live in Oregon, you don’t have to do it alone. Our disability attorneys are here to make it easier.

Let us help you get more support for your health and happiness.

We’re with You Every Step of the Way

Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.

Have a Question about Disability Benefits?

Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:

Disability FAQs »

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Can You Get Social Security Disability Autism Benefits in Oregon?