Autism and Social Security disability benefits

Kissimmee resident who suffer from a disability know that Social Security Disability Income can be an important source of income. In this recent blog post, this blog explained how difficult it can be for people — especially young people — to obtain SSDI benefits when they are struggling with mental illness. The requirements that people need to meet can be arduous for people who are struggling as it is.

One such requirement that people have to meet is proving they have a mental illness or disorder to begin with. In particular, those with autism have to meet two requirements just to qualify for SSDI under section 12.10 of the Social Security Disability Evaluation.

The first requirement is that the individual must have medical documentation showing that the person has markedly restricted interests and activities, has qualitative defects in communication — both verbal and non-verbal — and qualitative defects in reciprocal social interaction.

The second requirement is that the defects must result in at least two of four listed effects. The four effects include marked difficulties in social functioning, restrictions on daily living activities, repeated episodes of decompensation and difficulties maintaining pace, persistence or concentration. Without proving that the person suffers from at least two of these factors, the person may not be eligible for benefits.

By providing documentation of these issues, however, those with autism may be able to obtain SSDI benefits. This is a complicated area of the law and appropriate documentation is necessary for an application to be approved. The necessary requirements change depending on a person’s diagnosis. Therefore, people should make sure they know what is necessary to get approved in their particular situation.

Source: Social Security Administration, “12.00 Mental Disorders – Adult,” Accessed Aug. 24, 2014

Source: Social Security Administration, “12.00 Mental Disorders – Adult,” Accessed Aug. 24, 2014

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