We have a mentally disabled son disabled since birth. He was on SSI until my husband started collecting SS Retirement at that time our son was automatically switched from SSI to SS and Medicare. Being disabled since birth he would get more help with having SSI in getting into a group home. Why did they switch him?

Thank You
Linda

Hi Linda,

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs based program funded by general tax revenues as opposed to Social Security taxes. It is intended as a last resort source of income for people who are blind, disabled or at least age 65, and who have little or no other means of support (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/).

People receiving SSI benefits are required as a condition of eligibility to apply for any other types of benefits to which they may be entitled, including Social Security benefits. So, when your son became eligible for disabled adult child's benefits on your husband's record, he was required to apply for those benefits or lose his SSI anyway.

Best, Jerry