When You Are a Full-Time Elementary or Secondary School Student

We are revising our rule on full-time elementary or secondary school students to include students enrolled in home schooling or independent study programs authorized by State or local law, e.g., political subdivision, tribal government, or the District of Columbia. The current rule covers only students in traditional institutional educational settings; however, many States (or other jurisdictions) provide for home schooling and independent study programs considered equivalent to traditional schools. We also are showing clearly that nonpayment provisions apply to certain prisoners and certain other inmates of publicly funded institutions who otherwise would meet student benefit requirements. In addition, we are removing outdated rules on student benefits relating to months before August 1982.