Q. My son receives Social Security survivor benefits, and I get the funds on his behalf. He soon will turn 18. Will his benefits continue?
A. Perhaps. About a month before his birthday he will receive a letter asking if he will be a full-time high school student past age 17. If yes, he must submit the necessary form to school officials for benefits to continue. The school uses this information to certify that he still is enrolled. If this is not done, Social Security benefits automatically stop when a student turns 18.
With certification from the school, benefits can continue until the month before the month the student turns 19, or the first month in which he or she is not a full-time student.
After age 18, benefits usually are paid directly to the individual, if eligible as a student, and that person becomes responsible for notifying Social Security of any reportable changes.
For more information, log on to www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials .
ADVERTISEMENT
General information questions can be sent to Howard I. Kossover, SSA, 402 DeMers Ave., Suite 300, Grand Forks ND 58201; phone (701) 772-5518 ext. 200; fax: (701) 772-8622; e-mail: howard.kossover@ssa.gov . Please include the name of the paper in which you read the article. General information also is available on the agency Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov , or by calling the national toll-free number, (800) 772-1213.
