Can my daughter keep Social Security benefits after 18 with self-study GED prep & vocational training?
Hey everyone, I need some advice about my daughter's Social Security benefits. My son turned 17 last month and has been receiving dependent benefits since I started getting SSDI in 2016. He's had a rough few years - we had to relocate in 2020 after he experienced severe harassment at school that left him with serious anxiety issues. He needed extensive therapy for almost 3 years following the trauma. He's incredibly bright - reads at college level and is more knowledgeable about current events, philosophy, and music than most adults I know. However, the traditional school structure was really detrimental to his mental health recovery. After completing what would be considered 8th grade at an online academy, he stepped back from formal education to focus on healing. He's currently working toward his GED with plans to complete it by late 2025. He's also receiving mentorship in audio engineering which he's passionate about. The problem is he's turning 18 next month, and I'm worried about him losing his benefits. I received the SSA School Attendance Statement forms which list several qualifying education types: High School, Home School, GED prep, Technical, Vocational, and "Other." Would his current self-directed GED study combined with the vocational audio engineering training qualify to extend his benefits until 19? Or do we need to enroll him in something more formalized to maintain eligibility? I appreciate any guidance here - this income is really important for his support while he gets back on track.
4 comments
Join the conversation
Nora Brooks
My neighbor's kid got approved for benefits continuation by enrolling in a program that combined GED prep with vocational training. It was technically a "transition program" for students with special needs. Maybe look into whether your county has something similar? Sometimes they're run through the school district or county services.
0 coins
Jayden Reed
•That sounds like exactly what we need! I'll research transition programs in our area - hadn't thought about approaching it from the special needs angle but that makes sense given his anxiety issues. Really appreciate the suggestion.
0 coins
Anastasia Sokolov
•Also check with your local vocational rehabilitation services - they sometimes have programs specifically designed for young adults transitioning to independence. Since your son has documented anxiety issues from the school trauma, he might qualify for additional support services that could help maintain his benefits while he pursues his audio engineering training.
0 coins
NeonNebula
I went through something similar with my nephew a few years ago. The key thing SSA looks for is that the education is "full-time" - typically 20+ hours per week. For GED prep, you'll need documentation showing he's actively enrolled in a structured program, not just self-studying. Many community colleges offer GED prep programs that would qualify, and some even have integrated vocational components. The audio engineering mentorship sounds great, but it needs to be part of a formal training program to count for SSA purposes. Trade schools or community colleges often have audio production certificates that could work. I'd recommend calling your local SSA office to discuss his specific situation - they can sometimes provide guidance on what documentation they'd need to approve the continuation. Don't wait too long though - you'll want to have everything in place before his 18th birthday to avoid any gaps in benefits.
0 coins