Dear HoG: Determining SSI Eligibility after Age 18
Horizons in Hemophilia, Spring 2007
Dear HoG:
My son is going to turn 18 very soon and I am wondering if the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that he receives will change after his birthday? What do I do when my SSI-eligible child turns 18?
--Curious
Dear Curious:
Planning ahead for a child who is currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration is very important. According to the Social Security publication, Benefits For Children With Disabilities 2007- www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.pdf -Social Security uses different rules for SSI before the age of 18 than they do after age 18. Differences occur in both the medical and the financial criteria. As a result of the change in rules, Social Security must determine if the person who is 18 who has been receiving benefits continues to qualify for the SSI program. This generally occurs within one year of the person's 18th birthday. Usually Social Security will send a letter to the recipient to start this review process. It is very important for the recipient to follow up with Social Security and attend any appointments or meetings that are scheduled or he/she will be automatically denied. Also, further medical documentation will be required for the review process to demonstrate that the recipient meets the adult rules.