Age 18 Redetermination (SSI) — SSI age 18 review
When a child on SSI turns 18, SSA reviews eligibility under stricter adult disability rules. About one-third of recipients lose benefits at this review.
Official source: ssa.gov
When a child receiving SSI turns 18, the Social Security Administration runs a full review called the Age 18 Redetermination. SSA decides whether the young adult still meets disability under adult standards, which are different and generally stricter than the rules used for children.
Children are evaluated on whether they have marked and severe functional limitations across six broad areas of life. Adults are evaluated on whether they can perform any substantial gainful work in the national economy. Many young adults who clearly could not function as children struggle to meet the adult standard, and roughly one in three lose SSI at this review.
SSA usually conducts the review around the 18th birthday but can complete it any time between ages 18 and 19. You will receive a notice with forms to complete and a request for current medical evidence.
One rule change helps: at 18, your parents' income and resources no longer count against you. SSA evaluates only your own income and resources. Some young adults who were denied as children become newly eligible at 18 for this reason.
Start preparing early. From age 16 or 17, build an adult medical record with treating doctors, document real-world limitations in school IEPs and function reports, and gather updated evaluations. If benefits are denied, file a reconsideration within 10 days of the notice to keep benefits paid during the appeal.
In real life
- A teen on childhood SSI for autism turns 18 in March. SSA mails Age 18 Redetermination paperwork in April. The family submits updated psychological evaluations, IEP records, and a function report from a job coach showing limits on sustained work, and the adult claim is approved.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Age 18 Redetermination (SSI)
What is the Age 18 Redetermination?+
It is the SSA review that decides whether a young adult on childhood SSI still qualifies under the adult disability standard.
How often are recipients denied at age 18?+
Historically about one-third of children on SSI lose benefits at the Age 18 Redetermination because the adult standard is different.
Does parental income still count after age 18?+
No. At 18, deeming of parental income and resources ends. SSA looks only at the young adult's own income and resources.
Can I appeal an Age 18 Redetermination denial?+
Yes. File a reconsideration within 60 days. Filing within 10 days lets benefits continue while the appeal is pending.
How should families prepare for the Age 18 Redetermination?+
Build an adult medical record by age 16 or 17, keep updated evaluations from treating doctors, and gather school IEPs and function reports that document adult-level limits.
Source: ssa.gov