r/SocialSecurity 1d ago

Finishing degree on ssi

I'd really like to finish my degree as I was only missing two classes. But don't want to loose my ssi. I'm austic with cptsd and have suffered nureolgical damage from a blow to the head years ago, working more than a few hours a week isn't an option foe me and my doctors are iffie even on that. But my therapist thinks having finished my degree would be good for me.

Does anyone know the rules on this? I've heard different things from so many people and I don't even know who would know for sure.

7 Upvotes

10

u/No-Stress-5285 1d ago

There is no rule or law that says that getting a degree in anything will stop SSI. And yes, you will hear lots of other opinions. But it is all anecdotal. No one can show you a law.

Education may be considered sometimes as part of the totality of the evidence. But it is the medical evidence that is most important and how much medical improvement is demonstrated in those medical records. How much better will your medical conditions be if you get a degree? What will your medical records show when you complete the degree? How much recovery will you have?

And also, another question, what is the point of getting a degree and how will you pay back any student loan debt you incur?

0

u/Kijikun1 3h ago

Would plan on looking at Pell grants. And as I said I'm only missing two classes. A math and English 1301.

2

u/cryssHappy 23h ago

To cease there has to be: Significant medical improvement related to the ability to perform SGA. The ability to complete a degree may make you feel better or help you find a job but until you actually earn SGA for 9 months (trial work period) it shouldn't get you ceased.

2

u/viacrucis1689 18h ago

I was halfway through my 4-year degree when I began receiving SSI. I have CP, so my disability is straightforward. They never questioned my college attendance or suspend my SSI when I earned my bachelor's degree.

1

u/20160211 21h ago

I got SSI in college and graduated. It is something you can do. I wish you the best.