Start with a Social Security account and medical records
To explore for SSDI on behalf of your autistic child, you need a Social Security number for the child, proof of your own identity, and medical documentation of the autism diagnosis. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have the documents ready.
Social Security will ask for your child's birth certificate, medical records showing the autism diagnosis, school records if the child receives special education services, and records of any treatment or therapy. You do not need to submit everything at once — you can start the process and send documents later — but having them ready speeds up the process.
If your child does not yet have a Social Security number, you can request one at the same time you explore for SSDI. Bring the child's birth certificate and your ID to a local Social Security office, or explore for the number online first and then start the SSDI process.
Key Takeaways
- You can start an SSDI process for your child online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office, and you do not need all documents before you begin.
- Social Security will need medical records that show an autism diagnosis, school records if your child receives special education, and proof of your identity as the parent or guardian.
- The process asks about your child's daily functioning — self-care, communication, social interaction, and ability to follow instructions — so gather specific examples before you explore.
- After you submit, Social Security sends the process to a state disability examiner who decides whether your child meets the medical criteria; this step usually takes 3 to 6 months.
- If Social Security denies the process, you can request reconsideration or appeal, and many families hire a representative who is paid only if the appeal succeeds.
What Social Security means by "disabled" for a child with autism
SSDI for children is not based on the diagnosis alone. Social Security has a list of conditions that can lead to SSDI, and autism is on that list — but your child must also show that the condition causes severe limitations in functioning. The agency looks at whether your child can care for themselves, communicate with others, learn and follow instructions, and interact socially.
For a young child, this might mean not being toilet-trained, not speaking or speaking only a few words, or not being able to play with other children. For an older child, it might mean needing constant supervision, not attending regular school, or being unable to do schoolwork at grade level. Social Security is looking for evidence that autism significantly limits what your child can do, not just that the diagnosis exists.
The medical records you submit should describe these limitations in detail. A letter from your child's doctor, therapist, or school saying "the child has autism and needs support" is less useful than one that says "the child cannot dress themselves, requires constant supervision to stay safe, and cannot follow two-step directions." Specific examples matter more than the diagnosis label.
Documents you will need before you explore
Gather these documents before you start the process. You do not have to have all of them, but having them ready makes the process faster.
| Document Type | What to Bring | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Child's identity | Birth certificate or passport | Vital records office in the state where the child was born, or online through VitalChek |
| Autism diagnosis | Medical records from the doctor or clinic that diagnosed the child | Your child's pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, or autism evaluation clinic |
| School records | IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or evaluation reports from the school | Your child's school or school district special education office |
| Treatment records | Records from speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, or psychiatric care | The therapist or clinic providing the service |
| Your identity | Driver's license, passport, or state ID | Your wallet |
| Proof of guardianship (if not the biological parent) | Court order or guardianship papers | The court that issued the order, or your attorney |
You can request medical and school records by calling the office and asking for "records for SSDI" or by filling out a release-of-information form. Most offices send records within 5 to 10 business days. If you are in a hurry, ask if you can pick them up in person.
How to complete the process online or by phone
If you explore online at ssa.gov, go to the "explore for benefits" section and select "Disabled child." You will answer questions about your child's name, date of birth, medical history, and daily functioning. The form asks about schooling, work (if the child is a teenager), living situation, and any other benefits the child receives.
The section on daily functioning is the most important part. Social Security asks whether your child can dress, bathe, and use the toilet without help; whether the child can communicate needs; whether the child can play with other children; and whether the child can follow instructions. Answer these questions with specific examples. Instead of "my child cannot communicate," write "my child speaks only 10 words and cannot form sentences; I have to guess what the child needs."
If you explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative will ask the same questions and fill out the form for you. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can also explore in person at your local Social Security office — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.
After you submit the process, Social Security sends you a confirmation letter with an process number. Keep this number; you will use it to check the status of your process and to contact Social Security about your case.
What happens after you submit the process
Social Security sends your process to a state disability examiner who reviews the medical records and decides whether your child meets the criteria for SSDI. This review usually takes 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more information.
During this time, Social Security may contact you or your child's doctor to ask for more details. If the examiner needs additional medical records, Social Security will send a request to your child's doctor or therapist. You can speed this up by sending the records yourself without waiting for Social Security to ask.
You can check the status of your process online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will also send you a letter when a decision is made. The letter will say whether your child was approved or denied, and it will explain the reason.
What to do if Social Security denies the process
If Social Security denies the process, you have the right to request reconsideration. This means a different examiner will review the case and the new information you provide. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can request it online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
When you request reconsideration, send any new medical records or information that shows your child's limitations. This might include updated school records, a new evaluation from your child's doctor, or a letter from a therapist describing how the autism affects your child's daily life. New information is more likely to change the outcome than straightforward restating what you said before.
If Social Security denies the reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testify about your child's condition. Many families hire a representative — usually a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — to help with the hearing. The representative is paid a fee only if the appeal succeeds, so there is no upfront cost.
How much money your child will receive
The amount of SSDI your child receives depends on your work history and earnings, not on your current income. Social Security calculates a benefit based on what you have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. The average child SSDI benefit is between $800 and $1,500 per month, but the exact amount varies by family.
You can estimate your child's benefit by creating an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and viewing your earnings record. Social Security will show you an estimate of what your child would receive. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an estimate.
Once your child turns 18, the benefit amount may change. Social Security will review your child's case and may ask for updated medical records. If your child works, earnings above a certain amount may reduce the benefit, though there are work incentives that allow your child to earn some money without losing SSDI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for SSDI if my child is not yet diagnosed with autism?
No. Social Security requires medical documentation of the diagnosis before it will consider the process. If your child is being evaluated, you can wait for the diagnosis and then explore. If you believe your child has autism but has not been formally diagnosed, contact your pediatrician or a developmental pediatrician to request an evaluation.
Does my income affect whether my child gets SSDI?
No. SSDI is based on your work history, not on how much money you currently earn. Your household income does not matter. However, if your child receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which is a different program, your income does affect the benefit amount.
What if my child is already in school and receiving special education services?
School records are very helpful for the process. Request a copy of your child's IEP and any evaluation reports from the school. These documents show what support your child needs and how the autism affects learning. Bring them when you explore.
Can I explore if my child is adopted or if I am not the biological parent?
Yes. If you are the legal guardian or adoptive parent, you can explore. You will need to provide proof of guardianship or adoption, such as a court order or adoption papers. If someone else is the legal guardian, that person must explore on the child's behalf.
What happens to the SSDI when my child turns 18?
The benefit continues, but Social Security will review your child's case. If your child's condition has improved, Social Security may reduce or stop the benefit. Social Security will send you a letter asking for updated medical records. Your child can also continue to receive SSDI as an adult if the disability continues and the child is not working or is working below the earnings limit.