Aspergers and SSI benefits

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My 12 year old son has ASD, ADHD, OCD and anxiety. I was looking around on the internet today and ran across something and was wondering if anyone has applied and been successful at getting SSI benefits for their child?

I was wondering if I should apply for my son. My husband and I may make too much money??? My health insurance is good but what I would be looking for (if I were to apply for him) is to hopefully get him out of the public school system and into home schooling as well as other assistance (life coach or counselors, etc), that may not be covered under my health insurance??? Public school just isn't working.

If anyone has any advice, background or anything on this, I would love to hear from you. I'm just trying to find out what our options are for our son.

Thanks much and have a wonderful day.

You may have better luck getting a disability lawyer and having the school system pay for your child's education at a private school.

However, here's a page on the SSA website that offers information on insuring children whose parents are working but can't afford insurance - it may be helpful, at least a place to start. Good luck! http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html#state

I read in a self-help SSI book was that ASD was an automatic "yes" to getting SSI (I suppose money issues not included? I'm not sure about that.)

My niece was put on SSI, I don't remember what age, for Anxiety and OCD. She was also home schooled due to problems at school.

I'm currently on disability for Depression, Anxiety, and Agoraphobia. (I was once diagnosed with ASD but current pysch. doesn't see it. I feel it.)

I say go for it, give it a try!

My son has SSDI for Asperger's and they do have a periodic income certification in order to qualify.

No, SSI is not guaranteed in every state. Each state makes their own rules for qualification and you need to check with your own local office to determine if your son would qualify.

Is your son getting Special Education Services? If not, that might help with the public school situation. contrary to popular belief, a child does not have to be failing as IDEA defines "academics" as a broad term that includes social/emotional and behavioral issues as part of the academic requirements. If your son has a diagnosis and the school gives you grief about services, please contact your state's advocacy group for compliance with the American's with Disabilities act. Every state has a federally funded advocacy group that exists to make sure that each child with a disability gets their legally required accommodations. This service is free.

I understand, as the poster above noted, that it varies by state. We've never applied because we're not going out of pocket for any identifiable extra expenses because of the AS; the basics are being taken care of sufficiently by the schools; and my son doesn't really come across as disabled, just special needs. I think when you cross the line into feeling there is a huge impact on your family and that you need the money to help fill that in, then you look into it and apply. None of the families I know locally are collecting, so there definitely are hurdles to cross to get it. But, what you need is what you need, so definitely find out!

I think it is very important as the kids near 18, to apply so they may be eligible for Medicare. Becasue of income limitations, we won't apply while DS is a minor. However, once he becomes an adult, he would qualify (or not) based on his own income, rather than mine. I am very concerned about medical care as DS spends an awful lot more time with Drs and therapists than a NT kid. I would be thrilled to know that he had guaranteed healthcare regardless of my employment status.

Any idea how to contact that group in my area? What would I google? I'm in NJ.