Will my 60-year-old disabled brother lose his Social Security benefits if he enrolls in college?

Going to college generally WON'T cause him to lose his SSDI benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits aren't based on financial need but on your work history and medical condition. The key factor is whether his medical condition has improved enough that he could engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Education itself isn't considered proof of medical improvement. In fact, there are even programs like Ticket to Work that encourage SSDI recipients to pursue education and employment while maintaining benefits during a trial period. However, if your brother receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income) instead of or in addition to SSDI, there might be different considerations since SSI is needs-based.

this happened with my cousin last year, she went back for her nursing degree and still gets her checks. they dont take away ur disability just for taking classes

THEY WILL CUT HIM OFF!!!! My neighbor tried this and they stopped her checks for THREE MONTHS while they "investigated" if she was still disabled!!! She had to drop out and nearly lost her apartment!!! The system is DESIGNED to catch people improving and kick them off benefits. If he can handle college how can he claim he can't work??? That's what they'll say!!!

i was on ssdi and went to community college part time. nothing happened to my benefits. i think they only care if you start working and making money over their limit which was like $1350 a month when i was on it.

My sister works at a college disability services office, and she says they work with LOTS of students who receive Social Security disability benefits. The key is understanding which benefit he receives: 1. If he's on SSDI (based on his work history), then attending school doesn't affect benefits at all. 2. If he's on SSI (needs-based), some scholarships or grants might count as income depending on how they're structured and what they cover. One important thing: Your brother should look into the college's disability services office. They often have resources specifically for students in his situation and can help navigate any paperwork issues with SSA if they come up.

I don't know why no one is mentioning this but the SCHOOL might actually give him financial support BECAUSE he's disabled! My aunt got extra grants when she went back to finish her degree after her accident. Tell him to talk to the financial aid office too!

Education can actually be part of his path to potential employment through SSA's Ticket to Work program. This voluntary program allows disability beneficiaries to maintain their benefits while pursuing education or work opportunities. Here's what your brother should know: 1. Attending school itself will not trigger a medical review or benefits cessation 2. The medical standard for disability doesn't change because someone attends school 3. He may be eligible for education assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation services 4. He should report any scholarship or grant money that could potentially affect benefits (particularly important for SSI recipients) I'd recommend having him contact his local SSA office before enrolling just to understand any potential implications for his specific situation.

btw has he looked into online degrees? my cousins husband is disabled (ms i think) and does online classes when hes feeling ok and can pause when hes not. more flexible that way

I want to add one more thing - if your brother is receiving Medicare due to his disability status, attending college won't affect that coverage either. Some people worry about losing health insurance, but education doesn't impact Medicare eligibility for disabled beneficiaries.

This is such a thoughtful question to ask on behalf of your brother! I'm a disability advocate and I can confirm that attending college generally does NOT jeopardize SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration actually encourages education through several programs. One thing I'd add that others haven't mentioned - your brother might want to look into whether his college offers priority registration for students with disabilities. Many schools allow disabled students to register early, which can help him get classes that work better with his health needs and schedule. Also, if he does decide to pursue this, he should keep documentation of his educational goals and how they relate to managing his disability or potentially contributing to society in ways that work within his limitations. While it's not required, having that information can be helpful if any questions ever arise. The fact that he's considering this shows real strength and determination. Education can be incredibly therapeutic and provide that sense of purpose he's looking for, regardless of whether it ever leads to employment.