The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The goal of many individuals on the autistic spectrum is gainful and fulfilling employment - what if that is not possible? Presented by a disability attorney and father of a child diagnosed on the spectrum, the presentation is a practical overview of the application/appeal process for securing benefits. Presented by a practicing disability attorney, the presentation will focus on Social Security Adult Listing 12.10 -Autistic Disorders and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders and examine the process to apply for one or both of the disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  The presentation will provide educational information to assist attendees in understanding eligibility requirements and to be better prepared to file an application for disability benefits for themselves, a family member or a friend.  Service providers and care providers will come away with a working knowledge of eligibility requirements and the workings of the application and appeal process, so they can better identify individuals who may be eligible for benefits and assist in the application process.  Service providers, educators and care providers will be able to implement this practical information right away - to improve their existing services and to provide additional support to individuals who may be in need of disability benefits.

The presentation will examine the following specific areas:

(1) The Application Process

For many individuals on the Autistic Spectrum, the initial application process can be confusing and overwhelming.  After starting the process, many applicants never complete the initial application.  Typical questions may be:  Am I eligible for disability benefits?  How do I apply?  What can I do to improve my chances of being approved for benefits?  Attendees will learn how to better prepare for and manage the application process, including a discussion of the eligibility requirements for benefits and a discussion on the various methods of filing an application.  Emphasis will be placed on reviewing the forms that will need to be completed and the supporting documents that should accompany the application.

(2)  The Appeal Process

Reality:  The majority of initial applications are denied and the number is increasing.  Incomplete applications and applications with missing information are denied most often.  What happens next?  We will review an actual denial letter and discuss the useful information that can be found in the letter.  Attendees will also learn about the time restrictions to file an appeal, how to file the appeal and the supporting documents that must be completed.  Attendees will also learn how to us the time between the denial and the appeal hearing to their advantage.

(3)  The Appeal Hearing

After successfully filing an appeal of a denied application most applicants have many questions: How long is the wait for a hearing?  What happens at the hearing? How do I prepare for the hearing?  What do I say to the judge?  What is a vocational expert?  Through the use of written materials, visual aids and audience participation, the presentation will provide practical and useful information to attendees that will provide them with an overview of the "who's who" in an appeal hearing, what the roles of each participant will be, and how to prepare for the appeal hearing.

(4)  Question and Answer Session

The session will allow individuals to ask specific questions about the application process, the appeal process and the hearing.

Learning Objectives: