Social Security Student Benefits

Social Security student benefits can be available to a child whose parent is retired, deceased or disabled. An applicant should understand the requirements to be eligible for benefits.

Requirements

To be eligible, a beneficiary must be under age 19 and enrolled in grade 12 or below. A child must be enrolled full time according to state law where he attends school. A student in college will not receive benefits.

Schools

A student is eligible when enrolled in an elementary school, alternative school, home school or a General Educational Development program.

Filing For Benefits

To apply, a beneficiary must fill out pages 2 and 3 of the Student's Statement Regarding School Attendance (Form SSA-1372-BK) and have a school official certify attendance on the form. Mail the completed statement pages to the local Social Security office, or drop the papers off in person. He should inform the Social Security Administration if his address or work earnings change.

Benefits

Benefits are available during the summer as long as long as the summer vacation is no longer than four months. Benefits end the month before a student turns 19, when enrollment is less than full-time, when he gets married or if he is convicted of a crime.

 

References

• Social Security Administration: Frequently Asked Questions - Students
• Social Security Administration: How The Process Works

Resources

• Social Security Administration: SSA -1372-BK Form