When your child turns 18 they legally become an adult which is an important time, but it is especially important if your child has disabilities and will need additional care into adulthood.

Jack Myers with Social Security says when your child turns 18 you can no longer make certain decisions for them. However, you can stay involved through the Social Security Representative Payee program. If your child needs assistance managing the funds they receive from Social Security or SSI, you can apply to be the payee.  Social Security offices can assist you with this. 

Guardianship is another thing to consider. Myers explains this requires court involvement and would typically be used to help you with other aspects of their life that the payee program can’t assist with.  

SSI is a needs-based program that provides monthly payments to children and adults with disabilities. Myers points outa needs-based means income and asset limits apply. If your child receives SSI, when they turn 18 we will review their eligibility for continued SSI payments based on the disability rules for adults.

If your child was ineligible for SSI because parental income or assets were too high, your income and assets no longer count against their eligibility once they turn 18. Myers adds if your income was the only reason they didn’t qualify, they should apply or reapply once they turn 18. 

For more information about this, please review the Social Security publication 'What you Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income When You Turn 18'. You can also visit www.ssa.gov/youth.