TN 41 (09-23)

RS 00205.001 Who Is Eligible For Student Benefits

A. Policy

An individual is a student and is eligible for student benefits if they:

  • Meet the requirements for child's benefits (RS 00203.001);

  • Attained age 18;

  • Are in full-time attendance (FTA) (RS 00205.300);

  • Are attending an educational institution (EI) that provides elementary or secondary level courses (courses at grade 12 or below) (RS 00205.200); and

  • Have not attained age 19, or have attained age 19 in a month they are in FTA and meet the conditions in RS 00205.325 for benefits beyond that month.

NOTE: If the student graduated (i.e., received a diploma) but is continuing to take elementary or secondary level courses (RS 00205.200), benefits may continue as long as they are in FTA. Graduation does not become an issue for entitlement purposes until the student reaches age 19 (see RS 00205.325).

B. Procedure

To determine if an individual is eligible as a student, establish that:

  1. 1. 

    The requirements for child's benefits are met (RS 00203.001);

  2. 2. 

    The child attained age 18 or will attain that age within 6 months of processing the application (see GN 00302.400 for determining age attainment);

  3. 3. 

    The student is in FTA (RS 00205.300);

  4. 4. 

    The school is an EI (RS 00205.200 and RS 00205.250);

  5. 5. 

    The student is not being paid by an employer who has requested or required that they attend school (see RS 00205.125); and

  6. 6. 

    The student is not a prisoner (RS 00205.130).


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300205001
RS 00205.001 - Who Is Eligible For Student Benefits - 09/07/2023
Batch run: 09/07/2023
Rev:09/07/2023