Raising a child with autism comes with unique joys, but there are also financial considerations that parents and guardians have to keep in mind. Families deal with substantial costs from therapy and specialized education to adaptive equipment and caregiving. Fortunately, many financial assistance programs can reduce the burden and support the well-being of autistic children and their families. Let’s take a look at the best financial assistance programs for families of children with autism.

Supplemental Security Income

One of the most critical resources and assistance programs for low-income families is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Social Security Administration administers this federal program and provides monthly payments to children with disabilities, including autism, as long as they meet specific medical and financial criteria.

To qualify for SSI for autism, your child must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. This also includes a documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with children who have limitations in communication, social functioning, and learning abilities. Moreover, the family’s income and resources must fall below a certain threshold.

Eligibility for SSI depends on factors like income, assets, and disability status. Before the child reaches 18 years of age, the parental income is also taken into account. SSI provides a monthly payment to eligible individuals. The maximum monthly payment for individuals is $914 while couples can get up to $1,371. These can reduce financial strain and contribute to the overall well-being of those with autism and their families.

For families with an autistic child to apply for SSI, they need to submit detailed medical and school records, and also financial documentation. The process can be complex, but it relieves parents struggling financially.

The benefits of SSI for autistic children include:

• Monthly cash payments can be used for therapy, transportation, special education, or basic living expenses.
• Automatic eligibility for Medicaid in most states offers access to critical health services.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Unlike SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is typically reserved for adults who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. However, there are some provisions under which children with disabilities can receive SSDI, and this includes autism.

Children with autism can be eligible for SSDI under a parent’s record if the parent is disabled, retired, or deceased, and the child has a disability that began before the age of 22.

To qualify for the SSDI benefits, children must have a disability that significantly limits their ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. So, individuals with autism qualify for SSDI based on their disabling condition.

SSDI offers financial support based on a parent’s Social Security earnings record. It can also help adults with autism who want to reduce their financial burden. The financial support can be used for living expenses and medical needs.

Medicaid Waivers

Families with children with autism can also take advantage of Medicaid Waivers, which are known as 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services, providing financial support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Medicaid Waivers offer diverse benefits, including coverage for medical treatments, respite care, transportation, in-home support, and more. However, parents must know that the services and benefits can differ by state.

When applying for Medicaid Waivers, the assessment considers your income level, disability status, and the need for long-term care services. But it’s important to know that waivers have long waiting lists, so parents are encouraged to apply early.

Medicaid can offer comprehensive medical services for children with autism, including:

• Behavioral therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Speech and occupational therapy.
• Mental health services.
• Medications and specialist visits.

ABLE Accounts

ABLE is the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, which is a valuable financial tool for families of individuals with disabilities, including autistic children. These accounts allow qualifying families to save for their child’s future needs. The ABLE account will accrue contributions on a tax-deferred basis, and when the money is used for disability-related expenses, it will be tax-free. Some of the advantages of ABLE accounts include:

• Contributions to the accounts are tax-deferred, so families can save for the future without incurring immediate tax liabilities.
• Funds in ABLE accounts don’t hinder families from receiving Medicaid and SSI benefits.
• The money in the account can be used for disability-related expenses, including education, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

For families caring for an autistic child while working or looking for work, the Child and Dependent Care Credit offers tax relief. This federal income tax credit can offset the cost of care for dependents under age 13 or any age if the dependent has autism.

The credit covers a percentage of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one child or $6,000 for two children or more. The rate depends on household income, with the lower-income families receiving a larger credit.

When combined with other financial programs, this credit can reduce the overall cost of care and allows parents to work while ensuring their child has the help they need.

Some of the expenses include:

• Daycare and after-school programs.
• In-home caregivers or nannies.
• Specialized summer camps or therapy programs.

Autism Scholarship Programs and Grants

Many public and private organizations offer grants and funding for families of children with autism. These programs can help cover private school tuition, therapy, assistive technology, and other autism-related services.

Some of these organizations include Autism Care Today and United Healthcare Children’s Foundation, which provide grants to cover various needs.

Take Advantage of Financial Assistance for Your Autistic Children

Handling your finances while raising a child with autism can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle this alone. Take advantage of SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and tax credits to relieve your finances. In addition, scholarship programs and grants can provide your autistic child with specialized education and therapies.