Transition to adulthood can mean navigating several new systems at once for young people with disabilities and their families. Social Security may be one of them.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has expanded its online tools for disability claims and appeals, giving applicants more ways to track their cases, submit information and access important notices through a personal my Social Security account.
The changes are available to disability applicants of all ages, but they may be particularly useful for families navigating the transition to adulthood.
Why Social Security may change at 18
For young people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), turning 18 is an important milestone.
SSA generally reviews eligibility after age 18 using the adult definition of disability, rather than the rules used for children. This is known as an age-18 redetermination.
Other young adults with disabilities may be applying for SSI for the first time. Some may also qualify now or in the future for Disabled Adult Child benefits, sometimes called DAC benefits, based on a parent’s Social Security earnings record if certain requirements are met.
That means families may suddenly find themselves managing Social Security forms, medical information, notices and deadlines at the same time they are navigating health care, education, employment and other aspects of transition.
SSA’s expanded online services won’t eliminate that process, but they may make it easier to manage.
More information about where a case stands
SSA has expanded its Claim Status Tracker, which allows people to follow the progress of disability claims and appeals through their my Social Security account.
The tracker now provides more information for cases that have reached the hearing and Appeals Council stages, including important milestones as a case moves through the process.
For a young adult and family waiting for a disability determination or appealing a decision, having more information available online can reduce some of the uncertainty about where the case stands.
More disability forms can be submitted online
SSA has also expanded the disability-related forms that can be completed and submitted electronically.
These include forms used to provide updated information about medical treatment, medications and work history, all of which may be important when SSA evaluates a disability claim.
Being able to submit this information online provides another option for young adults and families who otherwise might need to complete and return paper forms.
More notices are available electronically
SSA has added more hearing-related notices to the my Social Security Message Center.
People can also choose to receive an email or text alert when a new document becomes available in their account.
This can be especially helpful during transition to adulthood, when families may be juggling paperwork and deadlines from several different agencies and programs.
Paper notices still matter
The new online options do not mean families should stop watching the mailbox.
SSA continues to send paper notices to applicants and their appointed representatives. Some notices also contain deadlines for responding or appealing a decision.
Young adults and families should continue to carefully review correspondence from Social Security even if they are using the online tools.
One more reason to set up an online account
For families preparing for transition, creating and learning to use a personal my Social Security account can be a practical step toward navigating adult benefits.
Depending on the young person’s circumstances and support needs, it can also provide an opportunity to begin involving them in understanding their own benefits, paperwork and responsibilities.
The new tools don’t change Social Security’s eligibility requirements. They change how people can interact with SSA and follow a disability case, potentially making one piece of the transition to adulthood a little easier to manage.
References and Resources
Social Security: New Online Tools and Notices for Disability Claims
Social Security: Disability Benefits and the Appeals Process
