Can I collect Social Security and go to college?

Asked by: Ms. Chelsie Buckridge  |  Last update: February 7, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (1 votes)

Although there is no rule that says you cannot receive disability benefits while you are taking college courses, it is something that the SSA will consider when evaluating your claim. This is for several reasons. Even though students generally are not paid to attend college, they are completing some work-like activity.

Will I lose my Social Security if I go to college?

Going to school full time is seen by the SSA as roughly equivalent to working and will place your benefits at risk. However, part time classes likely would not be a problem.

Does Social Security count as income for college?

Untaxed Social Security benefits: NO, it's not income! Including if the student received it. Roth conversions: YES, it's income! Unless it's a backdoor Roth conversion which is nontaxable and considered a rollover.

Can you go to school while receiving Social Security?

People receiving SSDI can still receive benefits while going to college. In fact, attending college (or any other type of education) is very much encouraged.

Can people on SSI go to college for free?

Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI itself does not pay for you to go to college; however, if you receive benefits, you may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, which can pay for postsecondary education, on-the-job training, assistive technology, and career counseling.

Can a person go to college while still receiving disability benefits?

25 related questions found

How does college affect SSI?

There is no effect on SSI as long as the funds are spent on education-related needs within nine months of receipt.

Do disabled people go to college for free?

Social Security Disability does not pay for college. However, those receiving disability benefits can seek Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, which can help pay for college and other types of training. There are also various disability-related scholarships and awards that can supplement students' expenses.

Can I get financial aid while on SSI?

Generally speaking, you can accept funds to pay for your education without damaging your eligibility for SSI. You can receive grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts from any source, and they won't affect your eligibility for federal benefits if you spend the money on educational expenses within nine months.

Does education affect a decision on Social Security?

Generally, the less education you have, the easier it is to be approved for benefits, as the number of jobs you are capable of performing is smaller than those with more education and training.

Can you earn while collecting Social Security?

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.

Should I bring my Social Security to college?

Disclosure of your Social Security number (SSN) is requested for the Student Records system and for compliance with federal and state reporting requirements. Federal law requires that you provide your SSN if you're applying for financial aid.

What income is not counted by Social Security?

For example, if someone pays an individual's medical bills, or offers free medical care, or if the individual receives money from a social services agency that is a repayment of an amount he/she previously spent, that value is not considered income to the individual.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

Generally, the maximum Federal SSI benefit amount changes yearly. SSI benefits increased in 2024 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023. Effective January 1, 2024 the Federal benefit rate is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.

How can you lose your Social Security benefits?

How can you lose your Social Security benefits?
  1. You are incarcerated. ...
  2. You receive disability payments and return to work. ...
  3. You receive disability payments and your condition improves. ...
  4. You work during early retirement. ...
  5. You remarry.

Does Social Security count as income for college financial aid?

Taxable Social Security benefits are considered income on the FAFSA. If the student or their parents receive Social Security benefits, they are required to report the total amount received during the relevant tax year.

Do colleges check your Social Security number?

Social security numbers are required in order to verify applicants' identities and to correlate with information provided as part of the financial aid process.

Does Social Security continue if you go to college?

No. At one time, SSA did pay benefits to college students, but the law changed in 1981. We now pay benefits only to students taking courses at grade 12 or below. 7.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

What is the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

Can a disabled person go to college for free?

Can a disabled person go to college for free? Certainly yes. Various free tuition programs are available for undergraduate students with disabilities. State and federal governments frequently offer these programs, which can significantly lessen the cost of higher education.

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

Will I lose my disability if I go to college?

A college student can still receive Social Security benefits. No rule says you can't go to college if you receive SSI or SSDI. However, you should understand that scholarships and grants must be applied toward educational expenses to be excluded from income.

Is college free for seniors?

California. The California State University system knows how to take care of state residents aged 60 and over. Tuition is waived for all state-supported colleges. Many of the University of California campuses also offer courses for students who are at least 50.

What can I get for free if I am disabled?

  • Find government benefits and financial help.
  • Food assistance.
  • Health insurance.
  • Housing help.
  • Help with utility bills.
  • Welfare and financial assistance.
  • Social Security. Social Security benefits and how to apply. Get, replace, or correct a Social Security card. ...
  • Government checks and payments.