By Janet La Mantia, M.S. Ed., Director of Family Support Services
Eden II Programs
As your child with Autism or another intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) becomes an adult, many things begin to change. Turning 18 is an important milestone, not just because of age, but because it can affect benefits, services, and who is legally able to make important decisions. The process can feel overwhelming, and many families are unsure where to start. This guide is designed to provide a simple overview of the benefits and entitlement programs that may be available as your loved one transitions into adulthood. Understanding these programs can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions for the future.
Federal entitlement programs provide benefits to eligible people based on federal law. If a person meets the program's requirements, they have the right to receive those benefits.
Some programs are contributory, meaning a person qualifies because they worked and paid into the system through payroll taxes.
Other programs are non-contributory, meaning benefits are based on financial need rather than work history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly financial assistance to help pay for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
SSI is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is funded through general tax revenues, not Social Security payroll taxes.
You may qualify if you are age 65 or older, are blind, have a qualifying disability, have limited income, and/or have limited financial resources ($2,000 for one person; $3,000 for a married couple).
Resources include money in bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, property other than your primary home, and vehicles other than your primary vehicle.
Your SSI payment may change depending on your living arrangement (living alone, living in the home of others, or living in a facility or institution).
In New York, people who receive SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly income to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work because of a severe disability. Unlike SSI, SSDI is based on your work history, not your financial resources.
To qualify, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, have earned enough work credits, have a disability expected to last at least 12 months, be unable to perform your previous work or adjust to other work, earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,690 per month in 2026.
Under SSDI, a person with a disability may have family members who qualify for family benefits. A spouse and dependent children may be eligible to receive a portion of the worker's SSDI benefit. Children may also qualify for these benefits if a parent is receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), family benefits can be especially important. If a person was receiving SSI because of their disability, they may later qualify for benefits as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) when a parent retires, becomes disabled, or dies. In many cases, the person can receive DAC benefits based on their parent's Social Security work record instead of their own.
The State Supplement Program (SSP) provides additional monthly financial assistance to many New York residents who receive SSI (those who are 65 or older, blind or have a disability).
Some individuals may receive a combination of the three benefits listed above, depending on their individual circumstances, available resources, and living arrangement.
To apply for SSA benefits, a person must complete an interview with a local SSA office. This interview can often be started online by creating an account at SSA.gov, or it can be done by phone or in person at a local SSA office.
When applying, you will provide a list of all doctors, specialists, and providers involved in their care, current medications and treatments, original identification documents, such as a Social Security card and birth certificate and if applicable, work history and bank account statements.
Some people who receive Social Security benefits need help managing their money. The SSA may appoint a Representative Payee to receive and manage benefits on the person’s behalf. Whenever possible, SSA prefers to appoint someone who knows the person well, such as a parent, family member or trusted friend. If no suitable individual is available, a qualified organization may serve as the Representative Payee.
*Some children under the age of 18 may be eligible for SSI, in this case the entire family’s resources are accounted for, but the application process and rules remain the same*
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible individuals and families. It helps cover a wide range of health care services for children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. Covered services may include doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, lab tests, X-rays, prescription medications, medical equipment, vision care, dental care, nursing home care, and personal care or home care services. Eligibility depends on household size, income, age, disability status and resources (for some groups).
For many individuals with I/DD, Waiver services may be available to provide additional supports. The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver is one of the most common waivers and is used by many Eden II individuals. These services are funded through Medicaid and help individuals receive support in their homes and communities. HCBS Waiver provides services such as Community Habilitation, Day Habilitation, Respite, Care Coordination, Assistive Technology, Supported Employment, and Home and Vehicle Modification. These services help individuals become more independent and remain safely in their homes and communities.
SNAP, formerly called Food Stamps, helps people with low incomes purchase groceries. Benefits are provided electronically and can be used like a debit card at approved grocery stores.
Applying for benefits is only the first step. Keeping your benefits active is just as important. Many programs have income and resource limits that must continue to be met in order to remain eligible.
In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may request disability reviews from time to time, either by mail or phone. It is important to respond to these requests and complete any required paperwork on time to avoid delays or possible loss of benefits.
If you receive Medicaid and are not also receiving SSI, you must reapply or complete a recertification at least once a year to continue receiving benefits. For individuals who receive Medicaid through a waiver, it is important to include the MAP-317 (Disability Determination Form) with your renewal paperwork. You will also need to renew SNAP applications (every 1-2 years depending on county). Renewal forms and supporting documents can be mailed to the Renewal department, dropped off at your local HRA office, or submitted online through the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.
Since many of these benefits have very low resource limits, families need to plan carefully when saving money for their loved one’s future needs. There are options that may allow individuals to save funds without losing eligibility for certain benefits. These options include Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts, which can help set aside money for approved expenses while protecting access to important benefits.
A Special Needs Trust allows a person with a disability to have money set aside without losing eligibility for benefits. There are 3 types of SNT: First Party (funded with the individual’s own money), Third Party (funded by parents, grandparents or others) and Pooled trust (A nonprofit organization manages many individual trust accounts together while keeping each person's funds separate).
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows individuals to save money without losing important public benefits.
To qualify, a person must have a disability that began before age 46 and either receive SSI or SSDI or have documentation of a qualifying disability. The account can be opened by the individual or an eligible person on their behalf, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent. In 2026, up to $20,000 can be contributed to the account each year. The first $100,000 saved in an ABLE account is excluded from SSI resource limits.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, another important consideration as your child becomes an adult is guardianship. In New York, every person is legally considered an adult at age 18. Some individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities may need support with making important decisions.
An Article 17-A Guardian is appointed by the Surrogate’s Court to assist individuals who are unable to safely make certain decisions independently. Families may apply for Guardianship of the person, the property or both. Applications are filed through the local Surrogate’s Court.
The programs discussed above represent some of the most common benefits and resources available to individuals with I/DD, but they do not include every option. Since each person’s needs and circumstances are unique, exploring available supports can help families find the resources that best fit their loved one’s goals and future. Understanding available programs, eligibility requirements, and changes to benefits helps individuals and families make informed decisions and access the supports they need.
