My daughter is 17. She is visually impaired due to complicated retinal issues and a connective tissue disorder and has been receiving services from the Commission for the Blind since 4th grade. We were told that she should be eligible for social security due to her disability. While I am not convinced she would be eligible, if we do apply and she gets it, would this impact her ability to get financial aid? She would not be eligible for aid due to our income if we were filing our Fafsa this year but we were told that once she gets SSI at age 18, they would only look at her income. Anyone able to provide some insight?
SSDI is not reported on the FAFSA, so it doesn’t affect aid.
And am I correct in assuming that the parent income would be still counted if this kiddo did get SSI benefits?
Yes, absolutely. I only read the first part - didn’t notice the last sentence. Getting SSDI does NOT negate the need to include parent income info.
She would be getting SSI, not SSDI, wouldn’t she? Does that make a difference? Our disabled son gets SSI.
Thanks so much. I don’t feel like those giving me information know much about this (they are supposed to because one of them is a transition counselor who is supposed to help our daughter transition from HS to college and assist with things like financial aid and social security).
Is she being determined to be permanently disabled? I think that can make a difference
I would guess so. Her vision can’t improve and it is highly likely to get worse.
Sorry, yes, it would be SSI, not SSDI. But untaxed SSI is not reported on the FAFSA, so the student most likely isn’t paying taxes on the SSI so wouldn’t report it (or would only report the taxable portion).