The number of SSI beneficiaries under age 18 has increased rapidly since the early 1990s. This rapid growth is mainly due to a Supreme Court decision that loosened the eligibility requirements for children. Concerns over this rapid growth and media reports of children being coached to meet eligibility requirements led to restrictions on program access. In 1996, Congress added a requirement that all 18-year-old SSI beneficiaries have their eligibility redetermined to see if they meet the adult disability criteria. The age-18 redeterminations measure against adult disability criteria for beneficiaries who had earlier been approved based on the childhood criteria.
The age-18 redetermination is a critical time in the life of a vulnerable population. Data from the National Survey of SSI Children and Families shows that most of those ages 19 to 23 whose SSI benefits have been stopped are not employed or enrolled in school or vocational training. Many have a significant level of health needs, but a majority have no health insurance. The educational system is responsible for preparing them for adulthood, but educators are not sufficiently informed about the SSI program and the advantages of work for SSI beneficiaries. The Board recommends taking a more active role in informing educators, parents, and caregivers. In doing so, SSA can help improve the lives of some who transition off benefits.
The Statement is included in SSA’s 2006 Annual Report on the SSI Program. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 gives Board members the opportunity, individually or jointly, to include their views on SSI in SSA’s annual report to the President and Congress on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The Board or one of its members has submitted a statement every year since 1998, except for 2024 due to the lack of a quorum.