Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Are There Any SpecialConsiderations AboutSocial Security Benefits?Yes, the SocialSecurity systemis very detailedand complex. Itis always bestto consult with aprofessional forinformation andadvice about SocialSecurity benefits.Most minors who receive a benefit from the SocialSecurity Administration (SSA) receive SuplementalSecurity Income (SSI). SSI is a needs based programto provide for the disabled individual’s basic livingexpenses, such as food, shelter and clothing. A persondoes not need to have a work history to receive SSI.Unlike SSI, SSDI is an insurance program. When anindividual works, they pay into the system, and whenneeded, the individual and their dependents receivea benefit. Youth who receive a SSDI benefit usuallyreceive it based on the work record of a parent orgrandparent who paid into the system, and is nowdisabled, retired or deceased. A minor need not bedisabled to receive SSDI. Youth who are not disabledcan continue to receive benefits until 2 months afterage 19 if still enrolled in secondary or elementaryschool. Youth who are considered disabled under theadult definition can continue to receive SSDI paymentsafter they turn 18 for so long as they remain disabled.Disability Definition for a ChildA minor is considered disabled for SSA purposesbased on how a physical or mental condition or illnessaffects development and functioning in typical dailyenvironments (i.e., school, home, community). At age18, a review is scheduled to determine whether or notthe condition or illness meets the SSA definition ofdisability for an adult.Disability Definition for an AdultThe Social Security Administration considers anadult to be disabled when the illness or conditionprevents substantial work activity for 12 months orlonger. Therefore, the main issue for adults is how thecondition or illness affects the person’s ability to work.38If you work, whatever your age, it is important toreport your earnings to SSA. Earnings can affect theamount of an SSI benefit, and can even affect eligibilityfor SSI or SSDI. If SSA later finds that you were paidtoo much, or are no longer considered “disabled”because of work activity, you could be asked to repaythe amount that you were overpaid by SSA.Remember, if you are working, there are many SocialSecurity Work Incentives that can be used to offsetyour earnings. When reporting income, it is importantto also report any work incentives that you wouldlike for SSA to consider, to reduce a portion of yourcountable earnings. See the Social Security Red Bookfor information on work incentives. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/eng/main.htm.If a finding is made that the person is considered nolonger disabled, SSA is required to send written noticeof the decision, including all appeal rights. In order tocontinue the SSI benefits during an appeals process,the appeal must be requested within 10 days of thenotice of discontinuance.If a finding is made that the person is considered nolonger disabled by their illness or condition, § 301Continued Payment Under a Vocational Rehabilitationor Similar Program may allow an SSI recipient tocontinue to receive SSI benefits. Benefits maycontinue if the person is participating in a vocationalrehabilitation program at the time the disabilityended, and the program will increase the likelihoodof eliminating the future need for disability benefits.Section 301 Continued Payment Under a VocationalRehabilitation or Similar Program also applies toBeneficiaries aged 18 through 21, participating in anindividualized education program developed underpolicies and procedures approved by the US Secretaryof Education for assistance to States for the educationof individuals with disabilities under the Individualswith Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).