To make sure Social Security benefits continue beyond age 18, eligible students must submit the necessary form to school officials. The school will use these documents to certify your child is still enrolled in school. Otherwise, monthly Social Security payments automatically stop when a student turns 18.

This is the case regardless of the type of Social Security benefit received. Some students get Social Security survivors benefits because a parent is deceased. Others may receive dependent benefits because their parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Benefits for minor children generally continue until age 18 (or 19 if they're still in high school) unless they are disabled and eligible for childhood disability benefits. In that case, a separate application for benefits is required.

With the appropriate certification from the school, Social Security generally does not stop benefits until the month before the month the student turns 19, or the first month in which he or she is not a full-time student, whichever is earlier.

For more information about Social Security student benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials. This Web site outlines how the process works and explains what the student and school official must do to ensure benefits continue past the student's 18th birthday. And if you need legal help, catch our "Social Securty Express" and get a free consultation on your rights and outlook for a Social Security benefit case.
  
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