If your son or daughter has recently been diagnosed with autism, you may already know that many autistic persons are eligible for disability payments. Although recent scientific data has determined that autism is present at birth, it can take years or even through adolescence or early adulthood for some people to be accurately diagnosed with autism. Therefore, if your child has been diagnosed with autism and could benefit from receiving Social Security disability payments, the information discussed below will be quite useful to you and your family.

The Basics Of Autism And Its Determination

It is important to note that the symptomology of autism in children can vary significantly from its presentation in adults. As a result, the Social Security program has two ways to assess an affected child's disability. Both options require that a specific amount of disability must be present in order for the child to be eligible for benefits.

In general, kids who are diagnosed with autism as teens often have a less severe form of autism. In that instance, you might find that obtaining approval for benefits is more challenging.  

Understanding How Autism Is Qualified And Established By The Federal Government

One way is for the applicant's symptoms to meet or exceed the listed requirements of the most recent version of the Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments. The other way for children to qualify would be if their current symptoms were severe enough that the symptoms alone reduced their ability to function in ways that equaled or exceeded the requirements of the Listing of Impairments.

Essentially, you will need to establish to the Social Security Administration that it is the expert opinion of medical and educational persons that your child's mental, social, communicative, etc. skills are severe enough to pose a lasting disability. Multiple professional evaluations may be needed and the application process can be time-consuming.

Your Household Income And Its Impact On Your Child's Eligibility

It is important to note that your child's eligibility for services will be affected by the household income. Specifically, your family or household will need to establish a financial need for a social security disability payment. In addition, you should be aware that while disability approval and payments for children are income based, the program that you are applying for is SSI and it is best to have an understanding of the two different forms of disability payments.

Understanding The Benefit You Are Applying For

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a public program that is available to disabled persons who have not worked, due to their current age or their age at the time they became disabled. It is a form of social welfare. In comparison, SSDI is a program that many older people are eligible for as the result of their regular employment and paying into the system. Approved retired adults or individuals who worked for some time before becoming disabled are more likely to get SSDI checks. SSDI benefits are earned and essentially pre-paid due to deductions from paychecks, so it is not an option for disabled kids. 

In conclusion, Social Security disability payments are often available to autistic persons. As a result, if your son or daughter is under the age of 18 and is living with autism, the information shared above about Social Security disability payments and autism is likely to be quite useful. Visit the site of a lawyer, such as http://www.chichesterlaw.com, for more information and assistance.