Medical Criteria for SSI
Under the disability rule for adults, Social Security will consider you disabled if:
- You have a physical or mental impairment, or a combination of impairments
- Your impairments limit your ability to work
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months
Doctors and other trained staff will determine whether your impairments meet the qualifying disability rules for adults.
Non-Medical Criteria for SSI
- Asset test — You must own less than $2,000 in countable assets
- Income test — You must make less than $943 in income per month (2023)
- You must apply for Social Security benefits and any other programs for which you may be eligible, including:
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid (if you receive Social Security benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicaid)
- Earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount ($1,550 for 2024) do not automatically disqualify you during the redetermination period
Reference: ssa.gov — Countable Income
Age 18 Redetermination
If you have been receiving SSI before turning 18, the government will automatically review your eligibility based on the disability criteria for adults — which is different from the criteria for children.
You will typically be contacted within one year of turning 18 and asked for the following information:
- List of all current medications
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Doctors and clinic visits
- Work activity
- Counseling and therapy
- Education (schools, special classes, tutoring)
- Teachers and counselors who have knowledge of your condition
Note: Approximately 1 in 3 children lose their SSI eligibility following the age-18 redetermination.
