UM23-14: The Lifetime Earnings Effects of the Social Security Student Benefit
Researchers
Abstract
In 1981, Congress voted to eliminate the “student benefit” of Social Security, which allowed for the continuation of child benefits past the age of 18 for those enrolled in schooling full-time. We compare the lifetime earnings of eligible children who turned 18 just before and after the benefit ended, with particular focus on the earnings differences among Black individuals.