Social Security Benefit Information for Adults

Important information about social security benefits for adults:

Adults can apply for benefits if they:

• Are disabled and cannot work full-time
• Have a disability or medical condition, diagnosed by a medical provider, that has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year

For disability purposes in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, a child becomes an adult at age 18. Different medical and nonmedical rules are used to decide if an adult can get SSI disability payments such as:

• The income and resources of family members are no longer counted when deciding whether an adult meets the financial limits for SSI, only the adult applicant’s income and resources are counted.
• Disability rules for adults are used when deciding whether an adult is disabled.
• There must be a review of the child’s medical condition when they turn 18. This review is done during the one-year period that begins on your child’s 18th birthday. The adult disability rules are used to decide whether your 18-year-old is disabled and can continue receiving SSI on their own behalf.

For more information and to apply for benefits: Social Security Administration (SSA).