SSI’s Age-18 Redetermination

What happens to a child’s SSI benefits when they become an adult? Social Security uses an Age-18 Redetermination process to decide if benefits can continue. Keep reading to learn more!

Definition of Disability

In addition to financial requirements, eligibility for SSI is based on Social Security’s definition of disability. Social Security has two definitions of disability: one for children under age 18 and one for adults age 18 and older. The child definition of disability is looking at the severity of the impairment, while the adult definition of disability is looking at how someone’s impairment impacts their ability to work. When a child who receives SSI becomes an adult, Social Security needs to decide if they now meet the adult definition of disability and can continue to receive their benefit. Social Security use the Age-18 Redetermination process to make this decision.

Before you turn 18, it’s a good idea to make sure any educational records (like IEPs, 504 plans, or evaluations) are up to date and you’ve recently received medical treatment for any disabling conditions you want Social Security to consider during the redetermination process.

The Age-18 Redetermination

Usually within one year of turning 18, Social Security will reach out to a childhood SSI beneficiary and start the Age-18 Redetermination process by sending a notice. Beneficiaries will be asked to provide information about their disability and complete an interview with Social Security where they will ask questions about their disability, including about the doctors they see, treatments they receive, and medications they take. You can gather your medical records to help you answer these questions. Social Security will then use this information to make a medical eligibility determination.

Social Security will send a letter when they finish the redetermination process to let you know what they decided. About one-third of people who received SSI as a child are not eligible for SSI as an adult. If the letter says you no longer qualify for SSI, you have 60 days to appeal that decision, but if you appeal the decision within 10 days, payments can continue during the appeals process. Northwest Access Fund recommends getting an attorney to help you with the appeals process.

Continued Payments for Ineligible Youth

If a youth is no longer medically eligible for SSI, payments may be able to continue if they are participating in an approved education or job training program (like through Vocational Rehabilitation or a similar service) until they complete the program or stop participating in it or if they are attending high school with an IEP or 504 plan until their 22nd birthday. Social Security will review the program you’re participating in and decide if it’s an approved program.

If you have questions about the Age-18 Redetermination process, a Certified Benefits Planner at Northwest Access Fund can help!