SSI Eligibility and Age 18 Re-determination

Impact of Age Re-determination

This SSA process for Re-determination at age 18 includes both the gathering of information on the young adult and determination of eligibility under the adult criteria for SSI. The general process is as follows:

1. Written Notification of Re-determination
The local Social Security Field Office sends written notification to the individual and parents that the case will be re-determined.

2. Interview at SSA Field Office
The benefit recipients and their families, guardians, or representatives go to the field office to complete an initial eligibility interview. The purpose of the interview is to gather information on the severity of the disability and how it affects the person’s ability to function. The SSA also requests permission to contact physicians, service providers, and teachers who work with the individual. All are asked to provide information in the individual’s ability to function in daily life.

3. Review by the Division of Disability Determinations (DDD)
DDD follows a detailed process to determine if the youth’s impairment is “severe” by the SSA’s criteria. The criteria to receive the label of “severe impairment” are more stringent for adults than for children. The DDD also examines the individual’s ability to earn income in future employment by
reviewing information gathered from the young adult’s teachers regarding his/her abilities.

SSI Eligibility

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Florida Division of Disability Determinations
Main: 850-488-4222 (SC 278-4222)
Toll Free: 800-499-6590
Fax: 850-487-0131 (SC 277-0131)
Area Offices

At present, the American Bar Association provides referrals to attorneys who will help children and youth with disabilities through both the Re-determination and appeals process (information is available at: www.abanet.org or 202-662-1000.

To view SSA's information on Disability Reviews, go to:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-cdrs-ussi.htm