C was a twenty-year old individual who was a full-time student who was attending an accredited school to become an x-ray technician. As part of his two-year program, C was required to engage in hands-on, practical training for which he was paid a stipend.

C became entitled to child’s social security benefits after his father passed away and because he was a full-time student between the ages of 18 and 22. The question was whether or not the stipend disqualified him from receiving the benefits under the exception for full-time students who are receiving significant income from work for an employer.

The answer was that it did not, because C’s stipend was received from the institution of learning, rather than from an employer, and it was a necessary and integral part of his schooling to become a medical technician.

See Social Security Ruling (SSR) 67-49.

This material should not be construed as legal advice for any particular fact situation, but is intended for general informational purposes only. For advice specific to any individual situation, an experienced attorney should be contacted.