Families that choose to homeschool their children should not fear their ability to receive benefits under current law. Articles 404 and 367 of the Social Security Code protect these families and ensure that they can receive the same benefits as those attending traditional schools. To be eligible for full-time attendance (FTA) benefits, the student must meet the federal standards set out in RS 00205,300C. This includes attending school for at least 20 hours per week during the regular period of public education.
For example, Jessica's mother presented a copy of the enrollment certificate signed by the local school official and a list of the courses being taught, and certified that Jessica was attending 25 hours a week. Since Jessica's homeschooling meets all state requirements, she may be eligible as a student as long as all other legal factors are met. Ryan's mother is also homeschooling and he lives in the same state as Jessica and takes courses at the same school through home-based correspondence. However, her mother has not submitted an enrollment certificate to the local school board as required by state law.
In this case, if the completed SSA-1372 form does not indicate that the student is on FTA in accordance with federal regulations (RS 00205,300), then the claim must be denied (disauthorization code 41, student not enrolled in FTA) or cancelled. To ensure that all necessary evidence is collected, it is important to fax the SSA-1372 form to both the Evidence Document Repository for People Without Disabilities (NdRed) or EdiB and to the paperless fax number of the corresponding computer. If a child is also applying for disability benefits, then form SSA-1372 (“Not a full-time student”) should be written down and faxed with the disability material. Unfortunately, there are usually no official government grants or tax benefits available to help with homeschooling. However, some companies may offer group discounts to students studying at home depending on the size of the group. To be considered a full-time student, they must “carry a course load” which is considered full-time for day students according to standards and practices established by their state or other jurisdiction.
In Texas, a homeschooling student must follow a course of study that includes reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics, and good citizenship. It is important to note that homeschooling isn't for all parents. Those who are not prepared or don't want to commit to being an effective teacher should avoid it. Companies that offer virtual curricula or classes for students learning at home sometimes also offer scholarships. Additionally, there are many free resources on the Internet to help with homeschooling. The National Center for Educational Statics reports that since 1991, the most common configuration of homeschooling is a working father and a stay-at-home mother.
It is also important to keep in mind that homeschooling can mean working 16 hours in the evenings and on weekends. This document serves as a first reference document to determine rights to Social Security benefits for homeschooling children. This guide provides an overview of what parents can expect when homeschooling, detailing both its benefits and disadvantages. It also provides information about how to deal with the Social Security Administration (SSA) when applying for benefits for homeschooling children. We are proud to offer help and information about homeschooling to all homeschooling students seeking educational resources without religious influence.
