This article describes the challenges faced by pretransition-age (14 to 17 years) young people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and outlines potential policy options to support their transition. The article is based on a descriptive analysis of newly released data from the 2001 National Survey of SSI Children and Families and the results of interviews with key policy experts. We find that in addition to their health status, these young people face a multidimensional set of difficulties in making a successful transition, including a high prevalence of family disadvantage, problems in school, and trouble with the police. In addition, despite the potential for losing SSI benefits and public health care coverage at age 18, they have generally low levels of participation in labor market preparation activities. The article discusses a variety of possible changes to improve the system of supports for transition-age young people with disabilities.
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