Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI for children

A child under 18 can receive SSI if they have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations, and their household meets SSA's income and resource limits. Autism qualifies as a potentially eligible impairment — the functional limitation requirement is the harder bar to meet.

For children, parents' income and resources are "deemed" to the child — meaning SSA considers the parents' finances when determining eligibility. If parental income is above the threshold, the child may not qualify as a minor even with a significant disability. This does not mean they will never qualify — adult rules are different.

The monthly federal SSI benefit is set by Congress and adjusted annually (approximately $967 per month; SSA adjusts this annually—check ssa.gov for current figures). Some states pay a supplemental amount on top of the federal benefit.

The age-18 redetermination

When a child receiving SSI turns 18, SSA re-evaluates eligibility from scratch under adult rules. Adult rules differ in two important ways: SSA no longer counts parental income (only the individual's own income and resources), and the standard for disability shifts to whether the person can perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA — approximately $1,620 per month; SSA adjusts this annually).

Many young adults lose SSI at the 18 redetermination, not because their disability changed, but because the adult SGA standard is harder to meet, or because their own income crosses the threshold. Preparation matters:

• Contact SSA at least one year before the 18th birthday
• Ensure ongoing medical documentation is current and thorough
• Maintain treatment records that describe functional limitations in daily life
• If the redetermination results in loss of benefits, appeal within 60 days

How to apply

Apply online at ssa.gov/benefits/ssi, by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local SSA office.

What to bring to your application:

• Birth certificate and Social Security card
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Medical records, diagnosis reports, and treatment history
• School records documenting functional limitations
• Financial records: bank statements, pay stubs, and information about any assets

The initial decision typically takes 3–6 months. If denied, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. If denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge — this stage has the highest approval rate and is worth pursuing.

Work and SSI

SSI recipients can work — SSA has work incentives designed to make employment possible without immediately cutting off benefits:

• Earned income exclusion: SSA excludes the first $85 of earned income per month, then counts only half of the remainder toward the benefit reduction.
• Student Earned Income Exclusion: students under 22 who regularly attend school can exclude more earned income (up to ~$2,350/month; adjusted annually by SSA).
• Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): allows SSI recipients to set aside income or assets to pay for expenses related to a work goal.
• Ticket to Work: a voluntary SSA program connecting SSI and SSDI recipients with employment services.

Before starting employment, consult a WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance) benefits counselor — they provide free individualized benefits counseling. Find yours at choosework.ssa.gov.