My husband is on disability and as such my children all receive a check through his disability, when my daughter was about to turn 18 and they found out she was being homeschooled they told me her check would stop because Social Security doesn't recognize homeschool, they have to be in public school or a private school. They told me the reason was they didn't approve purchased curriculum for homeschoolers. I told them I had created my own curriculm and was also using some textbooks used in public school. I was asked to send them my curriculum. I'm not sure what they are asking for. I asked her if she meant a list of the books used, and she told me I could include that too, but that she probably wouldn't take the time to look up all the books. She never gave me a real answer what she wanted. So my question is this, if asked to see your curriculum what are they asking for exactly? I hate to think they might want a fully written description of every topic covered for every class, that could turn into a book with highschool classes! Ive been really stressing about this as I know it will come up with colleges too. Can anyone tell me what I need?
I don't have an answer to your question, but was wondering if their rule about homeschooling was for children of all ages or was it just because she is turning 18? I hope you are able to get this worked out without too much red tape.
Our school asks for that as well, what I send them is the ISBN# on the back of the book along with a copy of the table of contents. That seems to keep them at bay.
Yes it seems to be because she is turning 18, they didn't seem concerned about my other two teens homeschooling. I think it is ridiculous though since I am meeting the requirements for my state it really should be a non-issue I would think. She even had the audacity to ask me what my qualifications were to teach, and if I was taking them for standardized tests, as well as several other questions that are completely irrelevant in the state of Indiana. My only requirements is to keep attendance, they must attend for 180 days, and I must provide an equivalent education, but there is no specifics as to what equivalent is. I tried to tell her these things that my education level didn't matter, that we are not required in Indiana to do standardized tests, etc, but she argued the point with me and tried to tell me I was wrong. She informed me she needed the curriculum, but couldn't tell me what she needed and told me I need to send proof of my education, qualifications etc. So really hope I don't have too much red tape either. Sorry for the vent. It's just had my nerves up.
I would send a basic list of what you are using along with a copy of the requirements of your state. If they continue to give you grief, I say bring in HSLDA to back you up. It sounds like someone is a little hostile over nothing to me. Good Luck
Is your 18yo child also on disability? I have a friend whose daughter had to be "schooled" until she was 20 because of her disability. She had completely graduated from homeschooilng after completing Bob Jones curriculum throughout, yet she still had to send her for "schooling" after that because the government looked at it as a disabled person possibly falling through the educational cracks by not continuing until they turned 20. Just thought you might be running into something like that? I would be getting ahold of HSLDA now in case it threatens to suspend her benefits while you get the paperwork sorted out.
Social Security USED to continue for a dependent until age 21 IF they were in college, but I think they've stopped that, and end at 18 regardless. I could be wrong. Maybe for public-school kids they continue until the end of the school year when the student becomes 18. I used to be a school social worker in public school, and it seems I remember several kids whose dependent-check was stopped because they turned 18 in their senior year. I think they just want to hassle you by asking for your curriculum, but that's just my opinion.
I 2nd (like 6th) the suggestion to contact HSLDA. Since homeschooling is a legal option, it shouldn't be an issue. HSLDA will be able to guide you though.
Thanks for the advice. When I started homeschooling, I had no idea there was still so much antiquated thinking out there about it. I don't understand people getting up in arms so badly over caring what and how your kids learn.
I don't know about disability but my children received their S.S. checks after my husband passed away and we were home educating. I imagine you can fight that!! As long as they are still in school they can receive it. once they turn 18 and are out of school it stops.
hmmm..... my husbands on disability too! I still have a few years till this issue comes up, but now you got me concerned :/ I wish I could give you more help, My thoughts are why does it matter they are home-schooled?! Have you thought about using a umbrella school?
You may want to speak with someone else or contact HSLDA. The Social Security site clearly states that they recognize homeschool. http://www.ssa.gov/schoolofficials/faqs_students.htm#Q7
