Social Security Benefits for Students

• Social Security amendments provide for the children of retirees, disabled persons or deceased persons entitled to Social Security to receive a monthly benefit. This benefit seeks to fill in the monetary gap that occurs when a parent transitions to a fixed income or dies before a child reaches adulthood. Benefits end when the child completes secondary school or two months after the child turns 19, whichever event happens first. When you are entitled to benefits, you must complete page two of form SSA-1372-BK, Student's Statement Regarding School Attendance. Your school certifies the information you provided by filling out page three of the form. The school retains pages four and five of the form, while you or a parent returns the completed pages two and three to your local Social Security Office. When you graduate school, your school will submit pages four and five to the Social Security Administration so your benefits can be stopped. Form SSA-1372-BK is available on the Social Security Administration's website and at local Social Security offices.
  
  

History of College Student Benefits

• In the past, Social Security benefits were awarded to college students up until an age limit of 22 was reached. In 1965, the age limit on Child's Benefits, the official name of benefits awarded to children of Social Security beneficiaries, was extended from age 18 to 22 provided that the child was enrolled in college full-time. This extended age maximum remained in effect until 1981 when it was repealed under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.
  
  

Social Security Benefits for Disabled College Students

• Social Security benefits remain available to certain college students who qualify for them independently of their parents. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility for those who are under 18 considers the income and assets of both the child and the parent or guardian of the disabled child, but after the age of 18, only the assets and income of the disabled person are considered. The SSI income can be used to support a college education or vocational training for the disabled party.
  
  

The Plan to Achieve Self-Support

• Social Security also sponsors an additional program, the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS). This program allows disabled children age 15 or older to save some income and resources for additional education, such as college or for job training. The funds do not count towards saved income when calculating a child or adult's eligibility for benefits.