Social Security Benefits after 19

I too am stuck in this dilemma. The 'lucky' women that I know who are divorced are still receiving child support from the father's until the kids graduate from College.

My husband passed away 11 years ago and we had two children ages 12 and 3. Once my 12 year old graduated from high school his benefits were cut, which reduced our family intake by $12,000 although he still lived with me until he was 22. Now I am facing this again in 2 1/2 years, when my second son graduates from high school, he is definitely heading off to college and the absolute worst time to take another $12,000/yr hit against our family intake. I am going to have to sell our family home as I can no longer afford the mortgage let alone help pay for his college! The excuse that was given in 1981 is completely inadequate! There are many ways for children to prove that they are enrolled in college and our country should support these young intelligent children with their college pursuits. Not to mention, in 2011 they've cut the social security tax on pay, which I do work and pay into as I have for the last 32 years. The extra couple of bucks in my pocket will be nothing compared to what the corporations will save on their matching contributions. In addition, for the last two years the child's survivor benefits have not been increased ,however, I'm paying $3.13/gallon of gas, which has increased over $1/gallon in the last two years, and my health insurance premiums have increased substantially due to ''health care reform'! Whatever that is!

Along with your note on the unemployment. I know of several instances where I have heard that people won't go off of unemployment cuz they can work under the table and continue to collect. Perhaps, this is where the government should be paying attention. Not taking monies from kids who work hard in school so they can go to college.

I don't know what I'm going to do come 2 1/2 years from now. I know I have to sell my house, which I'm less concerned about as I am about helping him get through college. If you hear of a lobbyist group to reinstate the survivor benefits please post!