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Adults with autism may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they meet specific criteria related to medical and work requirements. SSDI benefits can provide financial for individuals whose autism significantly impacts their ability to work, allowing them access to essential resources and services.
To qualify medically, the Social Security istration (SSA) requires that adults with autism exhibit significant limitations in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
This could include marked challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, recognizing social cues, and communicating effectively in both verbal and nonverbal ways. Many individuals on the autism spectrum struggle to interpret others' emotions or communicate their needs, which affects their ability to function in typical work or social environments.
Additionally, adults must demonstrate restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. These behaviors might include engaging in repetitive motions, adhering to strict routines, or maintaining highly focused interests, all of which can hinder daily adaptability.
These challenges must result in either an "extreme" limitation in one specific area, such as concentrating or interacting with others, or "marked" limitations across multiple areas. The SSA will evaluate limitations in areas like understanding and ing information, social interactions, maintaining focus, and managing personal care needs.
What if they don't meet the criteria?
If an adult with autism does not meet every requirement listed, they may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance.
This method considers the individual's capacity to perform any form of work based on their remaining functional abilities, age, education, and past work experience. This approach allows individuals with significant, yet less severe limitations to potentially receive benefits.
To meet the work requirement, applicants generally need a work history where they've contributed to Social Security.
Typically, this requires 40 work credits, with at least 20 of these earned within the past decade. However, adults who were diagnosed with autism before age 22 may qualify based on a parent's work record if the parent receives Social Security benefits.