Not everyone realizes that if they started receiving disability benefits as children, their benefits could be removed when they become an adult. Once people turn 18 years old, the Social Security Administration (SSA) usually orders a redetermination of their disability. This decides whether the person still needs disability benefits. Talk to a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal attorney if your disability benefits were removed.

What is Age 18 Redetermination?

The age 18 disability benefits redetermination process means the SSA will re-evaluate your eligibility for benefits when you turn 18 years old. This only happens if you were already receiving disability benefits as a child. A re-evaluation of your need for disability benefits is important because some eligibility criteria for adult benefits are different.

You do not usually have to worry about this if you just started receiving disability benefits a month before you turned 18 years old. If you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, then you also may not have to worry about this. The determination process only applies to those who have been receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Depending on the re-evaluation, your disability benefits may continue, change, or be removed. The SSA will notify you in writing that your disability determination is coming up and what the outcome is when the evaluation is complete. You have the option to submit additional medical evidence or information to strengthen your case.

If your disability benefits were removed after the determination, you have the option to file an appeal. Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer to explore your legal options. A lawyer can represent you while you are filing a disability claim appeal.

How Will My Disability Be Re-evaluated?

Your disability re-evaluation will be based on the eligibility criteria for adults with disabilities. These criteria include determining the severity of your disability, how your work performance is impacted, and medical evidence of your disability.

Do not panic if your disability is not severe. The SSA will then determine whether your disability meets the requirements of a listed impairment. If your disability does not match the listing criteria, then the SSA will assess your residual functional capacity.

A residual functional capacity evaluation considers how your disability impacts your physical and mental skills related to work. This includes determining whether your disability prevents you from doing past, current, and future work. Your disability must prevent you from adapting to new work.

Your disability benefits might be removed when you can adjust to new work, your disability is not severe, or your disability does not match listing criteria. Depending on your situation, you may have legal options. Talk with a lawyer who can help you explore ways to strengthen your disability claim.

Contact Edelstein, Martin & Nelson for Legal Help

You may not have to settle with your disability benefits being taken away. Do not hesitate to ask a Philadelphia individual disability insurance lawyer about your options during a disability redetermination. Start by calling Edelstein, Martin & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today. Our team of attorneys might be able to help you increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.