Turning 18 is a big milestone—and for children receiving SSI, it means their benefits will be reevaluated. Here's what to expect during the transition.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What the age-18 redetermination is
- How the evaluation changes
- Preparing for the transition
- What to do if denied
1. What the Age-18 Redetermination Is
The basic process:
- SSA reviews child SSI recipients at age 18
- Uses adult disability definition
- Different standard than childhood
- May result in continuation, change, or termination
Why it happens:
- Child and adult disability definitions differ
- Children: "Marked and severe functional limitations"
- Adults: Unable to engage in substantial gainful activity
- Must prove disability under adult rules
Timing:
- Review begins within one year of turning 18
- SSA contacts you
- Must respond and provide information
- Process can take several months
What SSA looks at:
- Medical condition and severity
- Functional limitations for work
- Past work history (if any)
- Education and skills
- Whether any work is possible
2. How the Evaluation Changes
Childhood standard:
- "Marked and severe functional limitations"
- Compared to peers
- Based on functioning in multiple areas
- Not work-focused
Adult standard:
- Unable to perform Substantial Gainful Activity
- Due to medically determinable impairment
- Expected to last 12+ months or result in death
- Work-focused
The five-step process (adult):
- Are you working above SGA?
- Is your condition severe?
- Does it meet a listing?
- Can you do past work?
- Can you do any other work?
Key difference:
- Childhood: Can you function like other kids?
- Adult: Can you work?
- Different questions entirely
Important: Many childhood conditions still qualify under adult rules, but the evaluation focuses on work ability.
3. Preparing for the Transition
Gather documentation:
- Recent medical records
- Treatment history
- Evaluations and assessments
- School records (IEPs, etc.)
Document limitations:
- How disability affects daily life
- Why work would be difficult
- Specific functional limitations
- Examples of struggles
Maintain treatment:
- Continue seeing doctors
- Follow treatment plans
- Create ongoing medical record
- Don't stop before the review
Consider work history:
- If the person has worked, document difficulties
- Failed work attempts are evidence
- Accommodations needed
- Why jobs didn't work out
What helps your case:
- Consistent, ongoing treatment
- Multiple medical sources
- Detailed functional information
- Clear limitations documented
4. What to Do If Denied
Don't panic:
- Many people are denied initially
- Appeals often successful
- You have rights
- Act quickly
Appeal process:
- Reconsideration (within 60 days)
- Hearing before ALJ
- Appeals Council
- Federal Court
Request continued benefits:
- File appeal within 10 days of notice
- Can request benefits continue during appeal
- May have to repay if you lose
- But provides protection while fighting
Get help:
- Disability attorney
- Legal aid
- Disability rights organization
- Benefits counselor
Strengthen your case:
- Get more medical evidence
- Ask doctors for statements
- Document all limitations
- Explain why work isn't possible
Other Changes at 18
Parental deeming ends:
- Parents' income no longer counted
- May qualify for more SSI
- Own income and resources matter
- Could increase payment
Representative payee review:
- May need to continue
- Or young adult may manage own benefits
- SSA evaluates capability
- Can request change
Medicaid:
- Check state rules
- May have 1619(b) protection
- Separate Medicaid programs may apply
- Don't assume automatic continuation
Planning for the Future
ABLE accounts:
- Open before or at 18
- Save for future needs
- Doesn't affect SSI (up to $100,000)
- Important planning tool
Education and training:
- Consider options
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Ticket to Work (once working age)
- Build skills
Legal planning:
- Consider supported decision-making
- Guardianship only if necessary
- Special needs trust if appropriate
- Plan for adulthood
How Purple Helps
Purple supports young adults on SSI:
- Simple banking designed for benefits
- Track deposits and spending
- Monitor resource limits
- ABLE account integration
- Build financial independence