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Our SSDI lawyers for autism represent people seeking disability benefits. If you have autism, you may receive financial support in the form of Social Security disability payments. Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys can assist you through all steps of applying for your benefits.
Disability Lawyers for Autism
Social Security representatives scrutinize 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. We calculate your benefits independently to ensure that you receive the correct amount.
To see how we can help you or a family member, contact our disability lawyers for autism now to discuss your situation. Our team at Pekas Smith can meet in person, by phone, chat or by video call. We believe our 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.
Understanding SSDI and Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder 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.
Characteristics that comprise autism are highly varied from person to person. The 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 may provide welcome financial relief.
Because autism varies significantly among people, examiners thoroughly evaluate each application. An applicant must carefully prepare and present information satisfying the requirement in the 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.
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
Limited mental functioning may include any of the following:
- 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 they must have a marked limitation in two or more areas. A person meeting the definition of autism may qualify to receive 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, Social Security Disability payments may be a lifeline. Adults may qualify based on their own work history. A young adult without enough of a work history of their own may look to a parent’s history. For young adults with a modest work history, the work credit requirement may be reduced.
Talk to an Autism Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you have autism, you may receive Social Security Disability payments. To succeed, you must understand the requirements for proving your disability. You must provide the necessary personal and medical documentation so that the claims examiner can reach the correct decision.
The Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys assist people in submitting SSDI applications. We help people with autism and their families with Social Security Disability claims. Let’s discuss how we can help you get the benefits you are entitled to. Contact us today to begin.
SSDI Autism FAQs
Can you get SSDI for autism?
Autism is a recognized disability for SSDI. If the person’s autism meets the medical definition of a disability as stated in the Listing of Impairments, and if prevents you from substantial gainful activity, you can get SSDI payments for having autism.
Is autism a disability for adults under SSDI?
Yes. Both adults and children may claim 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 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 amount of SSDI you can get for autism depends on your work history rather than the severity of autism. When a person doesn’t have a work history, and they are claiming 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.
