4.2 Google RatedOur SSDI lawyers specialize in representing individuals with autism seeking disability benefits.
If you have autism spectrum disorder, you may receive financial support in the form of Social Security disability income. Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys can assist you through all the steps of SSDI for autism. Here’s how an autism SSDI lawyer in AZ can help.
Disability Lawyers for Autism
Social Security Disability Insurance representatives pay close attention to applications based on autism. Our disability lawyers in Arizona understand the medical information that must be presented to make a claim successful.
In addition to your initial application, we can represent you if reconsideration or appeals are needed. Upon a successful claim, we will also calculate your disability benefits independently to ensure that you receive the correct amount.
To see how we can help you or a family member, contact an SSDI lawyer experienced in autism representation now to discuss your situation. Our team at Pekas Smith can meet in person, by phone, chat, or by video call.
We believe legal services should be accessible and convenient for all. Our team can accommodate you in any way that would make our services more accessible and beneficial for you and your family. At Pekas Smith, our disability law office is ready to advocate for your quality of life. Learn more about how an autism SSDI lawyer in AZ from our firm can assist you.
Understanding SSDI and Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that impairs or changes a person’s ability to interact with others. Many types of behaviors may be categorized as autistic, including deficits in social skills, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and unusual patterns of speech.
The characteristics of autism vary greatly from person to person. This developmental disorder manifests in many ways. Some people with autism are highly functional, living and working independently. Others may not be able to maintain a job or participate in substantial gainful employment. For those who are unable to work, SSDI for autism may provide welcome financial relief and steady income.
Because the severity of autism spectrum disorder varies significantly among people, Social Security Disability Insurance examiners evaluate each application thoroughly. An applicant must carefully prepare and present health information that meets the requirements in Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Blue Book Section 12.10—Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Qualifying for Autism Spectrum Disorder Disability
The Blue Book Listing of Impairments, Part A – Adult Listings, Section 12.10, explains how Social Security representatives evaluate disability applications based on autism.
There are two parts to qualifying for disability based on autism—medical impairment and limitation. An Autism SSDI lawyer experienced in autism representation in AZ can provide clarity on specific qualifications.
Medical Impairment
Medical impairment is a qualitative deficit in communication. It includes deficits in verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and social interaction. The person must have restricted and repetitive behavior patterns, interests, or activities.
Limited Mental Functioning
Signs and symptoms of limited mental functioning may include any of the following difficulties:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Social interaction
- Maintaining a pace while doing a task
- Adapting or managing oneself
The applicant must be extremely limited in one of these areas or markedly limited in two or more areas. A person meeting the definition of autism may qualify to receive disability benefits. Alternatively, a person may prove the total of their medical impairments is functionally equal to an impairment stated in the Blue Book.
Work History Requirement
If autism interferes with your ability to work or earn a steady income, Social Security Disability payments may be a lifeline. Adults may qualify for autism SSDI based on their own employment history. A young adult without enough of a work history of their own may look to a parent’s employment history. For young adults with a modest work history, the work credit requirement may be reduced.
Talk to an Autism Disability Lawyer in Phoenix
If you have autism, you may receive Social Security Disability payments. To succeed, you must understand the requirements for providing evidence of your disability. You’ll need to provide the necessary personal and medical records so that the claims examiner can reach the correct decision.
Our firm, Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys, assists people in submitting SSDI applications. We help people with autism and their families with navigating Social Security Disability Insurance claims. Moreover, we understand how this process can seem daunting and stressful if you’ve never done it before. Let’s discuss how we can help you get the benefits you are entitled to in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Contact us today to get in touch with a SSDI lawyer experienced in autism representation in AZ, or check out our website for more information.
SSDI Autism – FAQs
Can you get SSDI for autism?
Autism is a recognized developmental disability for SSDI. If your autism spectrum disorder meets the medical definition of a disability as stated in the Listing of Impairments, and if it prevents you from substantial gainful activity, you can qualify for SSDI payments for having autism.
Is autism a disability for adults under SSDI?
Yes. Both adults and children may claim autism disability benefits based on a diagnosis of autism. For adults, autism as a disability is defined in Section 12.10 of the Blue Book, Part A, Section 12, mental disorders in adults. For children, autism as a disability is defined in Section 112.10 of the Blue Book, Part B, Section 12, Mental Disorders in Children.
Is high-functioning autism grounds for disability benefits?
High-functioning autism may be grounds to qualify for disability benefits if it creates a functioning deficit that limits certain skills relating to work.
How much in SSDI can you get for autism?
Generally, the payment amount of SSDI for autism depends on your employment history rather than the severity of autism. When a person doesn’t have any past work or payroll history and claims disabled adult child benefits, they may receive 50% of the parent’s benefit within the family or 75% of the parent’s amount as a survivor benefit. Learn more details by talking to an autism SSDI lawyer in AZ.
