Transitioning from Child to Adult Supplemental Security Income
Child Supplemental Security Income
To apply for Child SSI you need to complete an Application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and a Child Disability Report on the Social Security website. Children are eligible for SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and if they have little to no income and resources. Social Security considers the family’s household income and resources in making this determination.
In order to be found disabled:
- The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
- The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
What happens when a child SSI recipient becomes an adult?
Children who are granted benefits before age 18 under the Social Security definition of disability for children are subject to a redetermination of disability status when they reach the age of 18. The young adult’s disability status will be re-evaluated by Social Security according to adult disability guidelines.
SSI Redetermination and Cessation of Benefits
If a child is determined not to meet the adult Social Security disability criteria at age 18, the decision can be appealed. The appeal must be filed within 10 days in order for benefits to continue during the appeal process. Otherwise, the deadline to appeal the redetermination is 60 days. If the appeal is denied, you can request an Administration Law Judge hearing. The deadline to do so is 60 days.
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