B2D: Navigating SSI: A Benefit Roadmap for Autistic Adults

Every year, thousands of autistic adults miss out on SSI benefits they are eligible for because of the confusing and overwhelming application process. Whether you are an autistic adult, a family caregiver, or a support professional, this session will give you the tools to beat the odds.

In plain language, we will walk you through how the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides if someone qualifies, what they are looking for, and the most common mistakes that cost people their benefits. We will break down the financial rules, how to maximize your benefits, and your options if you need additional help.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to explain what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for when reviewing an autism diagnosis and how to connect an autistic adult’s daily life challenges to the criteria SSA uses to make its decision

Participants will be able to identify the basic SSI financial rules, including what counts as income, what counts as a resource, and how living arrangements affect benefit amounts, and recognize the most common mistakes that reduce or eliminate eligibility.

Participants will be able to describe the barriers that make SSI applications difficult even for informed applicants and identify tools and resources designed to reduce those barriers.

Speakers