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1) Social Security Benefits
1) Social Security Benefits
If applying, what do parents need to do?
If applying, what do parents need to do?
Gather medical evidence (make sure it is very thorough)
Seek legal assistance (specifically one that specializes in Social Security or Special Needs law; check to see if your employer offers legal benefits)
Familiarize yourself with the process (see image below)
Be patient (it could take more than a year before a decision is made AND not always in your favor)
Do certain conditions automatically qualifies an individual to receive disability benefits? Click on image for more information.
What are some challenges encountered during the SSDI application process?
What are some challenges encountered during the SSDI application process?
Backlogs: the Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently (as of 2025) dealing with significant backlogs when trying to process claims and thus, leading to longer waiting periods to hear back about decisions.
Complexity: the SSDI application is complex with many rules and restrictions that it can be difficult for caregivers to navigate through it alone.
Medical Evidence: sometimes, it is difficult to gather the necessary medical evidence (to a substantial degree required by the SSA) from qualified healthcare professionals.
Stigma: unfortunately, stigma still exists for one trying to apply for disability benefits which may make it hard for some individuals or families to apply or appeal the decision.
As the primary caregivers, should we rely SOLELY on trying to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for our child diagnosed with a form of disability?
As the primary caregivers, should we rely SOLELY on trying to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for our child diagnosed with a form of disability?
2) Medicaid
2) Medicaid
A federal-state partnership where low-income families are individuals can receive healthcare, including those who are considered disabled or neurodivergent.
A federal-state partnership where low-income families are individuals can receive healthcare, including those who are considered disabled or neurodivergent.
Each state has its own benefits packages and eligibility requirements.
Example: In California, it is called Medi-Cal.
Eligibility process could take upwards to 90 days.
TIP: If an individual qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then they ALSO qualify for Medicaid!
CAUTION: There is a freeze to new enrollment and dental coverage for undocumented adults (19+) as of January 1, 2026.
3) Special Needs Trust
3) Special Needs Trust
If an individual has or will inherit assets that may make them ineligible to receive Medicaid, families could set up Special Needs Trusts on behalf of their neurodivergent child.
Although there are many items this could pay for (i.e., equipment maintenance, therapy, burial expenses, etc.), there are also restrictions on what the money could be used for (refer to image below).
4) ABLE Accounts
4) ABLE Accounts
How to avoid financial ruin?
How to avoid financial ruin?
Are there constant welfare checks from neutral parties (that rotate personnel to avoid conflicts of interests) to ensure my child's financials are in order? Is the estate's trust relying on a diversified portfolio?
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