November 6, 2002
Mrs. W v. Social Security Administration
Social Security benefits wrongfully denied because of homeschooling
Filed: September 13, 2002.
Nature of Case: Mrs. W had been receiving disability benefits for her son, Andrew, who recently turned 18. The Social Security Administration has cut off those benefits solely because she is homeschooling Andrew. Mrs. W is in full compliance with Kentucky law, which allows parents to homeschool as a private school with minimal paperwork. Under Social Security Administration law, a child may continue to receive benefits after turning 18 so long as he is being educated in accordance with state homeschooling laws. The SSA erroneously denied the application on the ground that the W's homeschool was not "accredited." On September 16, 2002, the W's filed an appeal of the SSA's decision to terminate benefits.
Status: The SSA has reinstated Mrs. W's benefits.
Last Updated: October 30, 2002
