When Disabled Children Reach 18

Protecting Your Child's Interests Into Adulthood

In determining eligibility for Social Security benefits for disabled children, the Social Security Administration uses different criteria than those applied in adult cases. A child under 18 is considered disabled if a physical or mental condition is serious enough that it results in marked and severe functional limitations. The condition must be expected to result in the death of the child or to last a minimum of 12 months.

Disabled children can receive benefits until they turn 18 through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If the child is a full-time student, benefits may be allowed to continue to age 21. When disabled children reach 18, they must be redetermined as eligible for benefits under the adult standard. There are strict time constraints in which to complete the redetermination.

Working to Ensure the Continuation of Benefits

If the redetermination does not happen in the time allowed, your child will have to start over with a new claim for benefits as an adult. These cases can become quite complex and it is important to have a reliable lawyer on your side. At the Whitesell Law Offices, we will work with you to ensure that the redetermination is completed in a timely manner and do everything we can to see that adult benefits continue seamlessly.

If adult benefits are denied, we will take immediate action to have the decision reconsidered and aggressively pursue all available options on your behalf. We will be there with you at every step and represent you at all hearings. Our founding attorney, John Whitesell, has over 20 years of experience in the practice of law. He has extensive experience with these cases and is committed to helping you obtain the benefits you deserve.

Call for a Free Consultation

Contact our office today to discuss your questions about disabled children's benefits. We have locations in Nashville, Tennessee and Fulton Kentucky to serve you. We are available during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends. You can reach us by phone at 888-734-7554 or via e-mail. We take every case on a contingency basis which means that you won't pay anything unless we secure benefits for you.

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• Mental Disorders

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• Headaches

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• Lung Disease

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• Coronary Disease

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• Diabetes

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