Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Individuals Over the Age of 18
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at Age 18:Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly amount of money paid to individuals who are disabled and have limited income and resources. For individuals 18 and older, only the income and resources of the person who is disabled is counted. That means that even if a child didn’t qualify for SSI as a child with a disability due to the parents’ income, as an adult they may qualify because only their income and resources are counted.
An application for SSI can be made up to 90 days before the 18th birthday, but the interview won’t take place until less than 30 days before the age of 18. If the individual is unable to apply on their own, a parent or guardian may do so for them. SSI benefits can begin as early as one month after the individual's 18th birthday month. If the individual is already on SSI, they will be re-evaluated within a year of their 18th birthday. How to Apply:To apply for SSI, call the Social Security Administration toll free at 1-800-772- 1213, or in person with an appointment at the local Social Security Field Office. Find the closest Social Security Administration (SSA) office here: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
An application for SSI may be made via SSA's website at https://www.ssa.gov/ssi It is recommended to gather the necessary application information before applying to make the process quicker and easier. Click here for a checklist: https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/radr/10/ovw001-checklist.pdf Who is Eligible?he definition of “disability” for an adult is different than that of a child. For a child, the focus of the disability determination is on functional limitations; for an adult, the focus is on work. To be eligible for SSI, the individual must be unable to work at a substantial level, and the disability is supposed to have lasted or be expected to last at least a year or to result in death.
SSA has a process to determine disability. This process includes five basic questions:
Once the above questions are answered, SSA will review the medical information and other information submitted to determine if the individual is “disabled” and thus eligible to receive SSI. An individual who can work some, but less than full-time, may be able to take advantage of a Work Incentives program through SSA. Work incentives programs allow the individual to work and still receive some benefits. Where a person lives and who they live with can also impact how much SSI they receive. For more information about what living arrangements may cause SSI benefits to be reduced, visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-living-ussi.htm If in doubt as to whether or not the individual will qualify, it is recommended to apply for the program. Even if the individual does not have a qualifying disability but is a child who is the recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to the disability or death of a parent, then they may be entitled to SSDI benefits after age 18. What Happens If the Adult Is Awarded SSI?If an adult is approved for SSI due to disability, they can receive the money or appoint a “representative payee.” For more information on the Representative Payee Program, visit https://www.ssa.gov/payee/
More Information:For more information, contact Indiana Family to Family at 1-844-323-4636 or [email protected].
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Programs and systems change often. It is important to ensure that you are using the most current information. Please check https://www.inf2f.org/fact-sheets.html for the most recent edition.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
