Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often comes with financial burdens that can overwhelm families. Between therapy, specialized education, medical equipment, and daily support, expenses can quickly add up. Many parents ask the critical question: Can you get government assistance for autism? The short answer is yes. Families can access a wide range of government assistance programs and financial resources, including federal benefits, state aid, tax credits, and nonprofit grants.
For families in Roselle and throughout Union County, accessing these resources is especially important to ensure children receive high-quality, consistent care. Providers like Apple ABA deliver in-home ABA therapy directly in Roselle, helping families not only navigate funding but also secure personalized support where it matters most at home.
The Costs of Autism Care
For families raising autistic children, the costs of necessary care often exceed what a household budget can reasonably handle. ABA therapy alone can cost anywhere from $120 to $200 per hour, and children may need 10–40 hours of therapy weekly, depending on their individualized plan. Add in occupational therapy, speech therapy, social skills groups, and medical appointments, and annual expenses can reach $60,000 or more.
Other qualified expenses can include:
- Medical equipment: Communication devices, sensory tools, or adaptive technology.
- Specialized education: Private schooling or tutoring for children with developmental disabilities.
- Health care and hospital services: Co-pays, medications, and therapy are not covered by insurance.
Parents often report that the financial stress adds to the emotional strain of raising a child with additional needs. Without assistance, many families might have to reduce therapy hours or skip interventions that could significantly improve a child’s development. This is why government assistance programs and financial aid options are so essential; they help ensure children receive the full spectrum of support needed to thrive. Localized services, such as ABA therapy in Roselle, NJ, help ensure that support is not only affordable but also accessible within the community.
Federal Programs That Support Families with Autism
Families seeking financial assistance for autism often begin with federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and state Medicaid offices. These programs provide crucial financial support to low-income families, particularly those raising disabled children.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly cash assistance to children with severe functional limitations due to autism. Monthly cash assistance can vary depending on the family’s income and the severity of the child’s condition. To qualify, families must meet strict income requirements and provide medical evidence that autism significantly impacts daily functioning.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Demonstrating medical evidence of autism spectrum disorder.
- Meeting Social Security Administration (SSA) standards for disability benefits.
- Families falling within federal income and resource limits for low-income families.
For qualifying families, SSI delivers monthly payments that help offset costs for therapy, medical expenses, and child care assistance. These funds are tax-free, allowing families to use the full amount without worrying about deductions at tax time. This can significantly ease the financial burden of autism care.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
While SSDI is typically for adults with a work history, in some cases, parents can receive Social Security benefits for disabled children if the parent qualifies for Social Security disability benefits. This can provide an additional safety net for families dealing with financial stress, especially when combined with SSI. The temporary assistance that SSDI benefits provide can help bridge the gap for families while waiting for longer-term assistance or more comprehensive coverage.
Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid is a vital government assistance program covering health care and behavioral services for children with developmental disabilities. In many states, including New Jersey, Medicaid covers ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and hospital services. Medicaid waivers may also provide community-based services such as respite care, communication devices, and support systems. These waivers are designed to keep children in home and community settings rather than institutional care.
CHIP offers health insurance to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage. For autistic children, this can be a lifeline, covering medical appointments, therapy, and support services.
Tax Credits & Deductions
Families raising children with autism can benefit from several tax incentives, including:
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: Covers a portion of child care expenses, including specialized programs for autistic children.
- Medical Expense Deductions: Parents may deduct autism-related medical costs like therapy sessions, specialized education, and medical equipment if expenses exceed 7.5% of taxable income.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Provides additional financial relief for low- and moderate-income families.
These tax-free benefits and credits help families manage the high costs of autism care, giving them more financial flexibility to cover essential services and therapies. Together, these federal programs offer financial resources that ease the cost of autism care, allowing families to focus more on progress and less on financial survival. State & Local Assistance Programs in New Jersey
Federal government programs are only part of the equation. Families in New Jersey also have access to state-specific financial assistance programs designed to reduce financial burdens.
NJ Medicaid Coverage for ABA Therapy
New Jersey mandates that Medicaid and private insurance policies cover ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. This includes both clinic-based and in-home ABA therapy, which allows children to enhance communication and life skills in familiar environments.
For parents living in Union County, including Roselle, this means Medicaid can cover services like those provided by ABA therapy providers, who specialize in bringing therapy directly into the home. This removes barriers such as transportation, while maximizing comfort and consistency for the child.
NJ Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
This assistance program helps families with medical expenses that exceed a set percentage of family income. Covered expenses may include hospital services, communication devices, medical equipment, and other qualified expenses related to autism spectrum disorder. Families often turn to this program after exhausting traditional insurance or Medicaid resources.
Local Community Grants
New Jersey families can also seek support from organizations such as:
- Autism Family Services of NJ – Offers respite care and recreational programs.
- MyGOAL Autism Grant Program – Provides financial aid for therapies not covered by insurance.
- County-based Community Action Agencies – Assist with rental assistance, child care, and additional resources for needy families.
These programs highlight how state and community-level financial assistance can complement federal government programs, ensuring that families raising children with autism receive multi-layered support.
Nonprofit & Private Grants for Autism Support
In addition to government programs, many national organizations offer grants and other financial assistance for autistic children. These programs often fill gaps that government benefits cannot cover, such as specialized therapies, private education, or unique equipment.
Some examples include:
- Autism Speaks Family Grants: Financial resources for medical appointments, therapy, and educational support.
- ACT Today! Grants: Support for ABA therapy, medical evidence needs, and assistive technology.
- National Autism Association: Provides safety and support services, including help for families raising children prone to wandering.
- United Healthcare Children’s Foundation: Grants for families dealing with health insurance gaps.
While these grants are competitive, they can provide additional financial support and reduce the out-of-pocket burden for families raising children with autism. Families are encouraged to keep an updated list of deadlines and application requirements to maximize their chances of success.
Insurance Coverage & ABA Therapy in New Jersey
New Jersey has strong autism insurance reform laws, which have required private insurance to cover ABA therapy and other essential services for autistic children since 2009. Covered services may include applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric and psychological services, and communication devices. These mandates ensure that families have access to critical care, but navigating insurance approvals can be challenging.
To benefit from these mandates, families need to work with providers who know how to maximize insurance coverage and minimize delays. A concierge-level approach to care ensures children receive therapy without unnecessary waitlists or overwhelming paperwork. This makes financial aid and treatment more accessible, ensuring that children get the support they need in a timely, efficient manner.
Conclusion
Government assistance programs can make a meaningful difference for families raising children with autism. From federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid to New Jersey–specific funding and nonprofit grants, multiple resources exist to ease financial stress and support long-term progress. When combined with dedicated providers like Apple ABA, these resources create a pathway for children to thrive at home, in school, and in the community. By exploring available assistance and working with a trusted therapy partner, families can feel confident that they’re giving their child every opportunity for growth and success.
At Apple ABA, we provide customized, in-home ABA therapy across New Jersey, including Roselle and Union County. Our board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and registered behavior technicians (RBTs) deliver compassionate, one-on-one care designed to enhance communication, social skills, and independence. Beyond therapy, our team helps families navigate insurance approvals and government assistance programs to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how Apple ABA can guide your family through both high-quality care and financial resources.
FAQs
Can you get SSI benefits for a child with autism in New Jersey?
Yes. Children with autism can qualify for SSI if they meet the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria and the family falls under income limits. These benefits provide monthly payments to cover therapy, medical expenses, and other needs. Families in areas like Roselle can use SSI benefits alongside in-home ABA therapy services to make treatment more accessible.
Does NJ Medicaid cover in-home ABA therapy?
Yes. New Jersey Medicaid covers applied behavior analysis (ABA), including in-home sessions for children under 21. Families in Union County, including Roselle, NJ, can work with Apple ABA to navigate approvals and begin therapy without unnecessary delays.
What nonprofit grants are available for autism families in NJ?
Families can seek support from Autism Speaks, MyGOAL Autism Grant Program, and Autism Family Services of NJ. These nonprofits provide financial assistance programs that cover therapy, respite care, and communication devices.
How long does it take to get government assistance for autism?
Timelines vary by program. SSI approval may take several months, while Medicaid coverage can start sooner once documentation is submitted. Nonprofit grants also have application deadlines and review periods.
Can insurance cover concierge-level ABA therapy?
Yes. In New Jersey, private insurance is required to cover ABA therapy, which includes concierge-level in-home services. Apple ABA’s team supports families in Roselle and surrounding Union County communities to maximize insurance coverage.
What other financial assistance programs help families raising autistic children?
In addition to SSI and Medicaid, families may qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), rental assistance through community agencies, or private grants that help with child care assistance and medical equipment. These resources are particularly valuable for low income families balancing multiple financial burdens.
