Launching Into Adulthood: SSI & SSDI for Emerging Adults – NOSSCR 2026 Fall National Conference – Track II (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)

Casey Watts, Associate Attorney | Burgess and Christensen

Casey Watts is an Associate Attorney with Burgess and Christensen in Marietta, Georgia.

• Education & Credentials

She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and a B.A. in History Teaching from Brigham Young University. She is admitted in Georgia.

• Recognition & Leadership

During law school she served as a Research Editor of the George Mason Law Review.

• Professional Involvement

She further developed this focus through collaboration with Special Needs Trust attorneys and other young adults focused organizations, as well as participation in school and community transition fairs for young adults, where she regularly engages with families navigating the shift into adulthood and work readiness.

• Experience

She first developed an interest in disability law while working as a case manager, and after completing law school, returned to the firm to focus on Appeals Council and Federal Court practice. Her work with uncontested guardianships helped spark a particular interest in young adult disability claims.

Anjel F. Burgess, Managing Attorney | Burgess & Christensen

With A Master’s degree in Gerontology and a pre-medicine background, attorney Anjel F. Burgess brings a unique understanding to the practice of disability law.

• Education & Credentials

She earned her J.D. from the Georgia State University College of Law, a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida, and a Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University. She was admitted to the Georgia bar in 2008.

• Recognition & Leadership

Her skills, knowledge, and experience put her in frequent demand as a speaker with organizations and in the legal and medical fields.

• Professional Involvement

She serves on the board of directors for national, regional, and local nonprofit service entities including The Hypersomnia Foundation, PLAN of Georgia, , Special Needs Cobb and Clubhouse Atlanta.

• Experience

In order to help educate the public about resources available to those living with disabilities, Anjel created a podcast, The DisabiliTEA in which she and her guests hold candid discussions about a variety of issues related to disability.

SESSION 1 – Launching Into Adulthood: SSI & SSDI for Emerging Adults | 12:15pm – 1:15pm

Young adults with disabilities often fall into a difficult space between school supports and the expectations of competitive employment. They may appear “too able” on paper while remaining unable to sustain competitive work. This presentation will focus on practical strategies for representing young adults, including developing strong non-medical evidence from IEPs, school records, vocational evaluations, and Vocational Rehabilitation services. It will also address technical issues unique to this population, including subsidized work, IRWEs, preserving future DAC eligibility, and protecting SSI eligibility through SNTs and ABLE accounts. Additional discussion will include working effectively with parents, schools, and community providers.