Pursuing education while receiving SSDI can enhance long-term career prospects and quality of life without necessarily jeopardizing benefits. In 2025, several programs and provisions support SSDI recipients in educational pursuits.
SSDI and Student Status
Unlike SSI, which has specific rules affecting benefits for students under 22, SSDI has no student-specific provisions that reduce benefits based on student status. This means you can attend school full-time without direct impact on your SSDI eligibility or payment amount, as long as you’re not performing substantial gainful activity.
Financial Aid Considerations
When applying for financial aid, SSDI recipients should note:
- SSDI benefits count as income on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), potentially affecting aid eligibility
- SSDI is reported in the untaxed income section of the FAFSA
- Students receiving SSDI may qualify for additional consideration under professional judgment provisions if they have disability-related educational expenses
Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer valuable resources for SSDI recipients pursuing education:
- Educational funding for programs leading to employment
- Assistive technology for classroom accommodation
- Support services such as tutoring, interpreters, or note-takers
- Coordination with college disability services offices
- Post-graduation employment assistance
The application process includes eligibility determination, needs assessment, and development of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) outlining services and goals.
Ticket to Work Program and Education
For SSDI beneficiaries using the Ticket to Work program, education can be part of your employment plan if it leads to self-supporting employment. Benefits include:
- Protection from medical continuing disability reviews while making progress
- Coordination of educational and employment services
- Continuation of benefits during educational periods if following an approved plan
Student Loan Considerations
SSDI recipients have important options regarding federal student loans:
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge may eliminate existing federal student loan debt
- Income-driven repayment plans can result in minimal or zero payments based on discretionary income
- SSDI recipients may qualify for additional deferment or forbearance options
Balancing Education and Health
When pursuing education with a disability:
- Consider course load carefully to manage health and academic requirements
- Register with your school’s disability services office for accommodations
- Document disability-related barriers to maintaining full-time status if needed
- Communicate proactively with instructors about accommodation needs
Educational expenses related to your disability may qualify as Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) if you’re working while attending school, potentially protecting more of your earnings from counting toward substantial gainful activity limits.
