Is Your Disabled Child Turning 18? Things you need to know!

If you have a child with disabilities and they are close to turning 18, here are a few things you should be aware of. Although, your child may be receiving benefits currently, at age 18 the rules change and they are evaluated as an adult.

Changes occur in SSI eligibility once a child turns 18. Your child will now be reviewed on an adult disability rules. This includes the medical and financial rules as an adult. 

Education can play a big factor in an adult claim. Is the child eligible to further their education with IEP, transitional schooling to 22 years of age, and vocational rehabilitation services for any job training or placement with disabilities.

Living arrangements can affect the amount of benefit the child may receive. As they are an adult now, they would need an agreement regarding their housing situation. If they should choose to marry, they could lose future benefits if they are receiving a benefit on behalf of a parent and were disabled prior to age 22. 

When your child has disability and could receive an inheritance in the future, you want to have a special needs trust in effect so SSA does not terminate SSI benefits. ABLE accounts are another option however there are limits on what its funding covers. 

When a child becomes a legal adult, you should inquire if the child will need a representative payee (SSA will determine if someone should handle benefits on the disabled's behalf) or guardianship (court involvement giving another person guardianship of disabled.) 

For more information visit ssa.gov or contact KC Disability Advocates at 816-451-2020.


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