Transitional Youth

Transitioning students with disabilities into self-supporting jobs in the workforce requires a special focus. There is a need to view Social Security’s benefit programs and work incentives in a slightly different light to ensure that students are fully aware of all that is available to them.

Social Security Benefits (Title II):

  • Children under age 18 receiving benefits as a dependent on a parent’s record should apply for disability benefits at age 18. This will ensure entitlement to Medicare at the earliest possible time.
  • If the student is not on benefits, we should review our records for insured status. Since it takes only 6 quarters to be insured at that age, there may be students that have become insured through summer jobs.
  • Receiving childhood disability benefits (CDB) or as a young wage-earner provides all T2 work incentives protections, including TWP, EPE, EXR, and extended Medicare coverage.

Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI or Title XVI):

Initial Eligibility:

  • Children attaining age 18 who are not drawing benefits due to parent’s excess income and/or assets can now apply based solely on their income and assets.

Student Earned Income Exclusion:

  • Students under age 22 who are receiving SSI benefits have benefits of the Student Earned Income Exclusion which is substantially better than the normal $65 plus ½ of earnings calculations. In 2018, the SEIE amount is $1,820 of earned income per month, with a yearly exclusion of $7,350. See the attached sheet which provides a 2-page example of SEIE in action.

Section 301 Provisions:

  • Children receiving SSI benefits will have a medical review of their case at age 18 to determine if they meet the adult medical standard of eligibility. If they do not meet this medical standard, their benefits will terminate. However, if they are working towards a plan that will allow them to become self-sufficient, they can have their benefits continue until the completion of the plan, even though they were found not to meet the medical criteria for adult SSI benefits. This protection is covered under Section 301 provisions. Eligible plans include an open VR plan, PASS plan, and an individualized education program (IEP) developed under policies and procedures under the IDEA. Please refer to the fact sheet on Section 301 Provisions for additional information. This plan MUST be in place prior to the determination of medical cessation in order to continue the benefits. See the attached sheet for additional information.