Savanna Hoffman
Social Security provides benefits to students in a variety of circumstances. For instance, children of retired, disabled, or deceased beneficiaries can receive benefits until they turn 19 or finish secondary education, provided they are full-time students. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) also offers benefits to disabled young adults, including those who have never worked. Additionally, students receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to a disability can continue to receive benefits while attending school, with certain rules governing their eligibility. Students who receive financial aid may also be subject to specific guidelines regarding how their benefits are treated for income determination. It is important to note that Social Security benefits for students have specific requirements and conditions that must be met, and these may change over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for student benefits? | Children of retired, deceased, or disabled beneficiaries who are full-time students at age 18 |
| Age limit | Entitled to benefits until they turn 19 or complete their secondary (grade 12 or below) education |
| Continuation of benefits during summer break | Yes, if the break is not longer than 4 months and the student intends to return to elementary or secondary school after the break |
| Continuation of benefits after turning 19 | No, the last month of eligibility is the month before the student turns 19 |
| Continuation of benefits after graduation | No, benefits will stop the month the student graduates or the first month they are not a full-time student, whichever is earlier |
| Continuation of benefits after changing schools | Yes, but the student must complete a new SSA-1372-BK form and have it certified by a school official at the new school |
| Impact of employment on benefits | Benefits may stop if the student's employer pays them to attend school |
| Impact of marriage on benefits | Benefits may stop if the student marries |
| Impact of criminal conviction on benefits | Benefits may stop if the student is convicted of a crime |
| Impact of disability on benefits | A person who receives SSI due to a disability can continue to receive SSI while studying |
| Impact of financial aid on SSI | Any portion of financial aid not used for educational expenses is treated as income in the month of receipt |
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What You'll Learn
Student benefits for children of retired, deceased, or disabled people
In the United States, children of retired, deceased, or disabled people may be entitled to student benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), depending on certain conditions.
SSA Benefits
Children of retired, deceased, or disabled beneficiaries who are full-time students at age 18 are entitled to benefits until they turn 19 or complete secondary education (grade 12 or below), whichever comes first. To receive these benefits, the child must be unmarried and enrolled in an elementary or secondary school. Benefits will stop if the child marries, stops attending school, reduces their attendance, changes schools, or is convicted of a crime. It is important to note that the SSA no longer pays benefits to college students, as the law changed in 1981.
VA Benefits
The VA offers the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35. This program provides benefits to the children or spouses of Veterans or service members who meet certain criteria:
- Died in the line of duty
- Died as a result of a service-connected disability
- Permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability
- Missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for more than 90 days
If eligible, the DEA program can help cover the cost of school or expenses while participating in on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. The benefits generally end after 10 years, but there are some exceptions. For example, if the Veteran is rated as permanently and totally disabled and later passes away, the benefits are extended for another 10 years. Additionally, if the qualifying event for DEA occurred on or after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit to use the benefits.
It is important to note that the DEA benefits may be combined with the Fry Scholarship if the service member died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, but the benefits are capped at 81 months of full-time training. If the qualifying event occurred on or after August 1, 2011, the DEA and Fry Scholarship can only be used if the beneficiary qualifies under a different event, and the benefits are limited to 48 months of full-time training.
In summary, children of retired, deceased, or disabled individuals may be eligible for student benefits through the SSA or VA, depending on their specific circumstances and the eligibility criteria of each program.
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Student benefits for those with disabilities
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to disabled individuals and their eligible family members. The amount of SSDI benefit is determined by the length of employment and earnings during that period. While SSDI does not pay for college, beneficiaries may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) benefits, which can cover postsecondary education, on-the-job training, assistive technology, and career counselling.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial aid to the elderly and those with disabilities. To qualify for SSI, you must be over 65 or have a disability, with no age limit. Additionally, you must have limited income and resources. Many states provide additional support on top of federal benefits, including food assistance, healthcare services, and supplemental income payments.
Students with disabilities may also qualify for education grants or scholarships. The Federal government sponsors financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant, which is open to students from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Programs provide education grants for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with severe disabilities.
Many organizations, both public and private, sponsor grants and scholarships specifically for students with disabilities. These grants and scholarships can help cover tuition costs, academic fees, and other campus expenses. Some examples include scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students with bipolar disorder, full-time college students with spinal cord injuries or spina bifida, and high school seniors with disabilities planning to study specific fields in college.
Additionally, students with disabilities may be eligible for loan forgiveness or free education. They can also benefit from enhanced accessibility features on campus, such as closed-captioned videos, interpreters, and assistive technology.
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Student benefits for those under 19
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits for students in certain circumstances. In general, children of retired, deceased, or disabled beneficiaries who remain full-time students at age 18 are entitled to benefits until they reach age 19 or complete their secondary education (grade 12 or below), whichever occurs first. To receive these benefits, students must complete and submit specific forms, such as the SSA-1372-BK, to their local Social Security office. It is important to note that SSA only pays benefits to students taking courses at grade 12 or below, and these benefits may stop if the student marries, stops attending school, reduces their attendance, changes schools, receives payment from an employer to attend school, or is convicted of a crime.
Additionally, students under the age of 19 may be eligible for other benefits, such as health care coverage and nutritional assistance. In terms of health care, students can enroll in a student health plan offered by their school, which can provide basic insurance coverage. They can also apply for coverage through the Marketplace, either on their own or by staying on their parent's plan until they turn 26. When applying, it is important to consider factors such as income, family size, location, and dependent status.
Furthermore, students who meet certain income and resource limits may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Students under the age of 18 or over the age of 50 may qualify for SNAP, especially if they work at least 20 hours per week or participate in specific programs, such as work study or training programs. Enrolling in an institution of higher education, such as a college or university, may impact SNAP eligibility, and students should review the eligibility requirements carefully.
Overall, while SSA benefits for students are typically limited to those under the age of 19 and in secondary education, there are other health care and nutritional assistance programs that students can take advantage of to support their well-being during their academic pursuits.
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Student benefits for those working
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers benefits to students in the following cases:
- Children of retired, deceased, or disabled beneficiaries who are full-time students at age 18 are entitled to benefits until they turn 19 or complete their secondary education (up to grade 12), whichever comes first.
- Students can receive benefits during the summer if they were previously in full-time attendance and plan to return to elementary or secondary school immediately after the break, as long as the break does not exceed four months.
- Students above the age of 18 may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they meet certain exemptions, such as working at least 20 hours a week in paid employment, participating in a work-study program, or caring for a child under the age of 12 while being a single parent.
- Additionally, employers may offer educational assistance programs to help pay off their employees' student loans.
It is important to note that the SSA no longer pays benefits to college or university students, and benefits may stop if certain conditions are met, such as marriage, reducing attendance below full-time, or reaching the age of 19.
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Student benefits for those receiving financial aid
In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to students in certain circumstances. Generally, SSA only pays benefits to students taking courses at grade 12 or below. The children of retired, deceased, or disabled beneficiaries who remain full-time students at age 18 are entitled to benefits until they turn 19 or complete their secondary education (grade 12 or below), whichever comes first. To receive these benefits, students must complete and submit specific forms, such as the SSA-1372-BK, and comply with ongoing reporting requirements. Benefits may cease if the student marries, stops attending school full-time, changes schools, or turns 19. Notably, the SSA does not provide benefits to college or university students.
Students seeking financial aid for higher education, including college or career school, can explore options like grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial tool to determine eligibility for various forms of financial assistance. Online tools and calculators can help prospective students estimate costs and choose an educational institution that aligns with their financial situation.
Additionally, students can explore other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While there are restrictions and specific eligibility criteria for students, those enrolled less than half-time in an institution of higher education may qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet the resource and income limits. It's important to note that during the COVID-19 public health emergency, temporary exemptions were in place, making more students eligible for SNAP. However, as of July 1, 2023, these temporary student exemptions are no longer available for new applicants or those recertifying for SNAP.
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Frequently asked questions
Social Security pays benefits to children of retired, deceased, or disabled beneficiaries who remain full-time students at age 18. These benefits are paid until the student turns 19 or completes their secondary (grade 12 or below) education, whichever comes first.
If a student turns 19 while still in secondary school, Social Security benefits will stop the month before they turn 19.
Social Security benefits can be received during school breaks, including the summer, as long as the break does not exceed 4 months and the student intends to return to elementary or secondary school immediately after.
If a student does not graduate on schedule, they must complete a new SSA-1372-BK form and have it certified by a school official. Pages 2 and 3 of the completed form must then be returned to the local Social Security office.
