Turning 18 is a major milestone for any young person, but for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it also triggers an important SSI age 18 redetermination for disabled children. This one-time review requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to re-evaluate whether your child still qualifies for SSI under adult disability rules. Understanding what this review involves, what information SSA may request, and how work or income could affect benefits can help families prepare and advocate effectively during this transition.
What Happens When a Child on SSI Turns 18?
If your child has been getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for a disability, there is an important change coming when they become 18 years old. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will take a fresh look at their case in what is called an “age-18 redetermination.”
This process helps SSA decide if your child still qualifies for SSI as an adult, based on adult rules for disability, which are different from the rules used for children.
What is an Age-18 Redetermination?
When someone turns 18, SSA does not assume they are still eligible for SSI just because they were as a child. SSA conducts a special one-time review to decide if the person’s disability still qualifies under adult standards. This is not the same as a regular medical check-in called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). It is only done once when the person turns 18 years old.
What Will SSA Ask For?
SSA will ask for information about:
- Medical history
- Medications and treatments
- School experience
- Work history (if any)
- Financial situation
You do not have to send medical records yourself, but it helps to keep a list of your child’s doctors, visits, treatments, and medications. You can either share the records or give permission for SSA to get them.
Can My Child Work and Still Get SSI?
If your child is already working or plans to work, earning money will not automatically stop their benefits during this review, but it can affect the outcome.
For example, in 2025, adults who apply for SSI for the first time cannot earn more than $1,620 a month. However, during the age-18 review, SSA looks at more than just income. Still, the fact that your child is working successfully might make SSA think your child is not disabled enough to qualify. If SSA decides that your child is still disabled, earnings will lower the monthly SSI payment.
What Usually Happens?
Around one-third of people lost their SSI benefits after this review. However, many others continue to receive support. The decision depends on your child’s unique situation and how strong the medical and other evidence is.
Where Can I Get Help?
Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), part of Kennedy Krieger Institute, helps families navigate this process. They can answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide guidance about the process. You can visit their website for more information.
Final Tip Rules can change, so be sure to check the official SSA website for the most up-to-date information at www.ssa.gov.
