Grants, DDD, ABLE accounts & programs near you
If your child has an autism diagnosis and your household meets income limits, your child may qualify for SSI — monthly cash payments from Social Security. For 2026 the federal maximum is $994 a month (some states add a supplement). Income and asset limits apply, but many autism families qualify and never know it. Apply at your local Social Security office or at SSA.gov. Start the process early — it takes time.
Visit the link →Every state has a Medicaid waiver program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. These waivers can cover ABA therapy, respite care, in-home support, day programs, and more — even for families who make too much for regular Medicaid. The catch: there are often waiting lists. Apply NOW, even if your child is young. The earlier you get on the list, the sooner services start. Search "[your state] Medicaid DD waiver" or contact your state DDD office.
Visit the link →Every state has a DDD (or equivalent agency with a similar name). This is your gateway to state-funded services — case management, respite care, day programs, supported employment, and more. Services kick in at different ages by state, but adult services start at 21 in most places. Do NOT wait until your child is 21 to contact DDD. Start at 14-16. The planning, the paperwork, the waiting lists — it all takes time. Call your state DDD today and ask how to get your child registered.
Visit the link →An ABLE account lets your family save money for your child's disability-related expenses without it counting against Medicaid, and the first $100,000 in the account does not count against SSI (above that, SSI payments pause while Medicaid continues). Savings grow tax-free when spent on qualified disability expenses. Anyone can contribute — parents, grandparents, friends. Money can be used for therapy, housing, transportation, education, assistive tech, and daily living. Available in most states. The disability must have started before age 46 (the limit was 26 until January 1, 2026). Open one at ABLEnrc.org — takes about 20 minutes.
Visit the link →A Special Needs Trust lets you leave money to your child without disqualifying them from government benefits. Without one, an inheritance can wipe out their SSI and Medicaid. With one, the money is protected and managed by a trustee for their benefit. This is long-term planning — but do not wait. Every autism parent should have at minimum a basic estate plan that includes a Special Needs Trust. Find a special needs attorney in your area. Many offer free consultations.
Visit the link →Autism Care Today provides quarterly grants for ABA therapy, speech therapy, OT, assistive technology, and safety equipment. Priority given to families with household income under $100,000. They also have an SOS program for families in immediate crisis. Since 2005 they have helped over 1,500 families. Apply at act-today.org — applications open quarterly.
Visit the link →Autism Speaks runs a free Autism Response Team that helps families find the programs and services available in their state. Call 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762), or 1-888-772-9050 en español. They can walk you through what exists near you.
Visit the link →Respite care is paid time off for caregivers. Many states fund it through Medicaid waivers or state programs. It can cover a few hours a week, overnight stays, or even short vacations. Almost nobody knows this exists. Contact your state DDD, your Medicaid waiver coordinator, or ARCH National Respite Network to find out what you qualify for. You have been pouring everything into your child. Respite is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
Visit the link →The official government benefits finder (it replaced Benefits.gov in 2024). Answer some basic questions about your situation and it lists federal benefits you may qualify for — disability, health coverage, food, housing, and more. For state programs, use the state-by-state card below. Most families who use this find programs they had no idea existed. Takes about 10 minutes.
Visit the link →Unreimbursed medical expenses related to autism — therapy, evaluations, medications, travel to appointments — may be deductible if you itemize, for the part above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. The Child and Dependent Care Credit gives back a percentage of up to $3,000 in care costs for one qualifying person ($6,000 for two or more), for a child under 13 or at any age if they cannot care for themselves, while you work or look for work. Keep every receipt. Talk to a tax professional who understands disability expenses — many families leave thousands on the table every year.
Visit the link →Every state has its own set of programs, advocacy organizations, and funding sources on top of federal programs. The best way to find what's in your state: 1) Contact your state's Arc chapter (thearc.org/find-a-chapter). 2) Call the Autism Response Team at 1-888-AUTISM2. 3) Search "[your state] autism funding programs". 4) Ask in local autism parent Facebook groups — other parents know what works.
Visit the link →Bloom learns your child from what you share, then answers your hardest questions for them — not with generic advice.
Talk to Bloom about Funding & Aid →