Ohio residents under the age of 18 who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, and their caregivers, often have questions about what happens with the benefits once the recipient turns 18. The eligibility rules are different for children and adults, and the SSA will conduct an eligibility redetermination when the recipient reaches age 18.
When the recipient turns 18, the Social Security Administration will conduct a review known as the age-18 redetermination. In this review, the SSA will request certain information from the claimant. The claimant will be asked about the medicines he or she is taking; surgical procedures and hospital stays; any medical-related visits; work activity; therapy and counseling; and special schooling. Counselors and teachers may be asked to provide information about the claimant's condition.
The determination as to whether the claimant's condition warrants the continuation of disability benefits is made by medical professionals and other trained SSA personnel. An estimated one-third of people who received SSI as children will lose their eligibility upon turning 18. The SSA will inform the claimant of the decision in a letter.
The claimant has the right to appeal a termination of benefits. This must be done within 60 days of the date the letter was received. Those who appeal within 10 days of the receipt of the letter can have their SSI benefits continue as the appeal moves forward.
A recipient of Social Security disability benefits who is approaching their 18th birthday can benefit from consulting an attorney who has experience with Social Security disability claims. A knowledgeable attorney can help the recipient put together their strongest possible case for the continuation of benefits.
Source: ssa.gov, "What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18, pages 2-3," accessed on Aug. 29, 2016
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