Evening,
I can tell you, professionally, autism is not an excluded diagnosis, however, having Asperger's alone will not qualify you for benefits. Many people receiving federal/state benefits are also living with another diagnosis (typically an Axis I/mood disorder). Regardless, this relates an impairment significant enough to preclude you from typical employment. It's a misnomer that those living with benefits don't work - some do.
Personally, I was on federal/state benefits and "used them" to advance my studies far enough that I could get a comfortable job I could choose, rather than be relegated to employment I needed to take. While there are days I wish I could just stay home and hide, I wouldn't give up my job for anything. It's been a struggle, of course, and there are some really difficult days. The benefits, however, exceed my best days "happy" at home, hiding, when I was on benefits.
Every year I grow and learn. Moreover, ever year I become a better advocate for people on the spectrum. Who knew? Me? An advocate? An educator? But... it happened. I took the risk and it was worth it. I hope you choose to take the risk, too.
Do yourself a favor and get "Asperger's on the Job" - I have purchased this book for myself, my co-workers, and my supervisors. I use it to educate. It's a book I wish someone had pointed me to when I was starting... I hope it helps.
_Bloom