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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.
Contact one of our area Social Security Disability lawyers today to learn more:
The SSA used to provide “college student benefits” but phased those out in 1981. Currently, there is no specific education benefit offered with Social Security Disability programs.
That being said, there are other state-funded programs that help with tuition costs. It is important to note that these programs require applications; you don’t automatically qualify.
The SSA offers something called “survivor benefits.” For instance, if your spouse or parent passed away, you can still receive benefits, per the SSA.
As a minor before 1981, you could receive survivor benefits until you turned 22 years old. That’s no longer the case. You generally can receive survivor benefits until you turn 18 years old. However, if you’re still in secondary school, you may receive benefits until two months after your nineteenth birthday.
Our lawyers can assess your situation and explain what you’re entitled to receive.
The first source to look into is the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The OVR provides services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment – as well as help paying for college.
The next place you can contact to inquire about getting help paying for college is the U.S. Department of Education (DoED). The DoED offers various federal student aid programs, such as Federal Pell Grants and Stafford Loans. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid Information Center, or call them at 1-800-433-3243.
There are also a lot of opportunities specifically geared towards students with disabilities. Here are a few that you might want to research:
Some colleges and universities offer scholarships through their own departments. For instance, the University of Pennsylvania offers year-round scholarships for students with disabilities. Some higher-education institutions exclusively offer programs for disabled individuals.
Another thing you can do is to Google educational scholarships for your specific type of disability. For instance, type in “college scholarships for people with MS” and see what comes up.
There are numerous organizations that offer financial aid to students with certain disabilities. Some of these organizations include:
Other general resources to research include:
You can also go to your school’s financial aid office and ask if it has any suggestions.
While Social Security Disability benefits don’t pay for college, they do cover:
Your benefits’ specific details depend on whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you’re thinking about applying for benefits, you must show the SSA that you have an impairment that harms your earning ability. The SSA keeps a list of impairments in its “Blue Book.” This document lists dozens of conditions that qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Additionally, when assessing your application, the SSA will ask these questions:
The SSA may use other considerations when evaluating your application. While an approval wouldn’t pay for college, it could provide other benefits that ease your financial strain.
If you’re curious about applying for disability benefits, you may qualify for these programs: SSDI and SSI. Here’s the key difference between the two:
If you qualify for SSI, chances are, you qualify for financial aid offered by your college or university. Check with your school’s financial aid office to learn more.
The SSA denies 53 percent of disability applications upon their first submission. It can take anywhere from three to five months to get a decision. You reasonably want benefits as soon as possible.
Our co-founder, Cynthia C. Berger, has reviewed more than 50,000 disability applications during her career. Her team knows what separates approved applications from denied ones. We can evaluate your application, suggest changes, and monitor your application’s progress.
Our lawyers have more than 40 years of experience fighting for disabled claimants’ rights. Together, we can explore applying for disability benefits, appealing a denial, and more.
We regularly post updates about applying for disability on our blog and Facebook page. We also offer free case reviews to claimants interested in exploring their options. To connect with Berger and Green, dial (412) 661-1400.