October 7 – SSI and Financial Aid
Question:
I am working with a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary who is enrolled at a local university. He just received his financial aid award letter and is wondering how the grants he got will affect his SSI. What should I tell him?
Answer:
Here are a few important things you should share with the beneficiary:
- All student financial assistance received under the Higher Education Act of 1965 or the Bureau of Indian Affairs is excluded from income and resources, regardless of use.
- Other financial aid, including grants, scholarships, fellowships, or gifts are excluded from income if they are specifically used to pay for tuition, fees, or other necessary educational expenses at an educational institution, including vocational or technical education. The funds are also excluded from counting as a resource for up to 9 months.
- Provide a copy of the financial aid award letter to Social Security. Only Social Security can determine how specific forms of financial aid will be treated.
Would you like to find out more about WIPA and your benefits? Contact your statewide WIPA Program-Project 20/20 if you have questions like our Daily Tips or want to learn more about working while receiving social security disability benefits. Call our North Augusta office at 803-279-9611 or the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842. You can also complete a Contact Us or Self-referral Form.