Turning 18 is a milestone for everyone, but if you receive Supplemental Security Income, it comes with a unique set of changes that can feel overwhelming. Social Security essentially re-evaluates your entire case when you become a legal adult, and the outcome can go in different directions—your payment might go up, your eligibility standard changes, and your parents are no longer part of the financial equation. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you (and your family) prepare.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Why Social Security reviews your case at 18
- How the age-18 redetermination works
- Why your SSI payment might actually increase
- How the disability standard changes from child to adult
- Steps to prepare before your 18th birthday
- What to do if your benefits are reduced or stopped
The Age-18 Redetermination
When you turn 18, Social Security conducts what's called an age-18 redetermination. This is essentially a fresh look at your eligibility using adult rules instead of the childhood rules that got you approved in the first place. Social Security typically initiates this review during the one-year period after you turn 18, though the timing can vary.
The redetermination has two main components: a financial review and a medical review. Both can change the outcome of your benefits, and they operate independently of each other.
The Financial Side: Good News for Many
Here's something that surprises a lot of families: the financial side of the redetermination is often favorable. When you were a child, Social Security used parental deeming to count a portion of your parents' income and resources toward your eligibility. If your parents earned too much or had too many resources, it could reduce your SSI payment or even make you ineligible entirely.
Once you turn 18, parental deeming stops. Social Security only looks at your own income and resources, regardless of whether you still live with your parents. If you're not working and don't have significant savings in your own name, you may qualify for a higher SSI payment than you received as a child. In 2026, the maximum SSI payment for an individual is $994/month.
There is one thing to watch: if you're living in your parents' home and not paying your fair share of household expenses, Social Security may apply the in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) rule, which can reduce your payment by up to one-third. Even with this reduction, many young adults still receive more after the deeming stops.
The Medical Side: A Different Standard
The medical review is where things get trickier. As a child, you qualified for SSI by showing a "marked and severe functional limitation"—basically, that your condition seriously limited your ability to function compared to other children your age. At 18, Social Security switches to the adult disability standard, which asks a different question: can you engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)?
In practical terms, this means Social Security evaluates whether you're able to work and earn more than $1,690/month (the 2026 SGA limit for non-blind individuals). They'll look at your medical records, any recent evaluations, and how your condition affects your ability to perform work-related activities like standing, sitting, concentrating, following instructions, and interacting with others.
Some conditions that clearly qualified under the childhood standard may not automatically meet the adult standard. For instance, a child who qualified based on developmental delays or behavioral challenges might face a closer review as an adult. On the other hand, many conditions—particularly significant intellectual disabilities, severe mental health disorders, and serious physical impairments—will continue to qualify under adult rules.
How to Prepare Before You Turn 18
Preparation makes a real difference. In the months before your 18th birthday, consider taking these steps.
Gather updated medical documentation. Make sure you have recent evaluations, treatment records, and assessments that document your current condition. If it's been a while since your last comprehensive evaluation, consider scheduling one before the redetermination begins. Current records are much more persuasive than records from years ago.
Understand your own finances. Since parental deeming will stop, Social Security will focus on what's in your name. Make sure you know what bank accounts, savings, or other assets are listed under your name or Social Security number. If you have resources approaching the $2,000 limit, you may want to explore options like an ABLE account, which allows you to save up to $20,000 per year without affecting SSI eligibility.
Consider who will manage your benefits. While you were a minor, a parent served as your representative payee. At 18, Social Security will evaluate whether you can manage your own benefits. If you can, the representative payee arrangement will end and payments will come directly to you. If Social Security determines you still need a payee, one will be appointed—often the same parent who served before.
Know your rights. If Social Security determines you no longer meet the disability standard, you have the right to appeal. You can also request that your benefits continue during the appeal process, which is important because appeals can take months.
What If Your Benefits Are Reduced or Stopped?
If the redetermination results in a reduction or termination of your SSI, don't assume it's the final word. You have 60 days from the date of the notice to request an appeal (called a reconsideration). If you request the appeal within 10 days, you can keep receiving benefits while the appeal is pending.
Many initial denials are overturned on appeal, especially when additional medical evidence is submitted. Consider reaching out to a legal aid organization or disability rights group in your state for free help with the appeals process. They deal with these cases regularly and can significantly improve your chances.
Turning 18 shouldn't mean losing the support you depend on. Purple's checking account is built for SSI recipients, with tools to help you manage your benefits, track your resources, and navigate the transition to adulthood with confidence.