Free Guide to Understanding Social Security Disability Form 3368

What Form 3368 Is and Why It Matters

Social Security Disability Form 3368, officially called the "Work Activity Report—Student," is a document used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to track information about students who receive disability benefits. This form applies specifically to young people aged 19 through 22 who are still in school and collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments.

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The form exists because Social Security has specific rules about how work and school attendance affect disability payments for students in this age group. When a student works while receiving benefits, or when their school status changes, the SSA needs updated information to ensure benefit calculations remain accurate. Form 3368 is the official way to report these changes to the agency.

Understanding this form is important for several reasons. First, it prevents overpayment situations where a student receives more in benefits than they should based on current circumstances. Second, submitting required information on time helps avoid delays or interruptions in benefit payments. Third, the form documents the student's continued pursuit of education, which can affect their benefit status. According to SSA data, approximately 140,000 young adults aged 18–22 receive SSI or SSDI benefits while enrolled in school.

The form is relatively straightforward compared to other SSA documents, but it contains important fields that must be completed accurately. Students or their representatives need to understand which situations trigger the need to submit this form and what information to include.

Practical takeaway: If you or someone you know is between 19 and 22 years old, receiving disability benefits, and enrolled in school, learning how Form 3368 works helps ensure smooth communication with Social Security and accurate benefit payments.

When and Why You Need to File Form 3368

Form 3368 must be submitted in specific situations related to work activity or changes in student status. The primary reason to file this form is to report work activity—either starting a job, changing jobs, or changing work hours—while receiving disability benefits as a student.

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The SSA uses work information to calculate something called "Impairment-Related Work Expenses" (IRWE) and to determine how much of your earnings should be counted toward your benefits. For SSI recipients, the first $65 of monthly earnings, plus half of remaining earnings, are typically not counted as income. This means working while receiving benefits does not always reduce payments dollar-for-dollar. Form 3368 gives the SSA the details needed to make these calculations correctly.

Additionally, this form reports changes in school enrollment. If a student takes a leave of absence, drops to part-time enrollment, or stops attending school, this must be reported. The benefit amount and continued eligibility can depend on full-time school attendance status. The SSA defines full-time attendance as enrollment in courses that the school considers full-time; this typically means 12 or more credit hours per semester at a college, or following the school's standard full-time enrollment definition for other institutions.

Other situations requiring Form 3368 include changes to work schedule, starting or stopping paid work-study positions on campus, beginning apprenticeships or training programs, or receiving wages from family members' businesses. Even if earnings are minimal, reporting them ensures benefit calculations stay accurate and prevents future overpayment demands.

The timing of submission matters. Changes in work or school status should be reported as soon as they occur—ideally within 30 days—to prevent benefit payment errors. Many Social Security field offices send reminders or request this information proactively if they notice changes in a student's circumstances.

Practical takeaway: Start keeping records of any work activity, job changes, or school status changes immediately. This documentation makes it easier to complete Form 3368 accurately and on time when needed.

How to Locate and Obtain Form 3368

Form 3368 is available through multiple official channels, all of which are free. The most direct source is the Social Security Administration's official website at ssa.gov. You can search for "Form 3368" in the site's search bar, which will take you directly to the form and related instructions.

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The form is also available by visiting a local Social Security field office in person. Every community in the United States has at least one field office where staff can provide the form, answer questions about how to complete it, and offer guidance. You can find your local office by using the office locator tool on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Another option is to request the form by phone. By calling Social Security's main number (1-800-772-1213), you can ask for Form 3368 to be mailed to your address. You can also speak with a representative about what information to include on the form before submitting it. This option works well for people who prefer verbal explanation or have questions about their specific situation.

Form 3368 can also be obtained in some cases through your state's Vocational Rehabilitation agency or a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project. WIPA projects are free services that help people on disability benefits understand how work affects their payments. These organizations sometimes have copies of the form and can explain how to complete it in relation to your particular circumstances.

When you obtain the form, make sure you have the current version. Social Security occasionally updates forms, so confirming you have the latest version ensures your submission will be processed without delays. The form includes the revision date in small print at the bottom—currently, the most recent version is from 2019, though older versions are still processed.

Practical takeaway: Obtain the form directly from ssa.gov or your local field office. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you obtained it. Having the form in advance, before you need it, allows time to gather required information and ask questions.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing Form 3368

Form 3368 contains several sections that must be completed clearly and accurately. The first section asks for basic identifying information: your Social Security number, full name, date of birth, and current mailing address. Use the exact name that appears on your Social Security card, as mismatches can delay processing.

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The next section focuses on school information. You will need to list your school's name, the type of school (high school, college, trade school, etc.), whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time, and when your current enrollment period began. You must also indicate whether you are expected to complete or graduate and when that is expected to occur. For this information, check your school's enrollment verification or speak with your school's registrar if you are uncertain about enrollment classification or expected graduation date.

The work activity section is the core of the form. Here, you list each job you hold or have held during the reporting period. For each job, include the job title, the name and address of the employer, the date work began, and the date work ended (if applicable). You must also provide information about your work schedule: hours per week and hourly wage or salary rate.

If you receive work-study or campus employment, list this separately with the same information. Be specific about hours; write "20 hours per week" rather than vague terms like "part-time." If your hours vary week to week, provide an average weekly hour estimate.

For earnings information, calculate your average monthly gross earnings (total pay before taxes and deductions). If your pay is irregular, average it across several months to give an accurate picture. The SSA uses this figure to determine how much of your work income counts toward your benefit limit. For example, if you earn $400 per month, the calculation would be: $65 (not counted) + ($335 × 0.5) = $233.50 counted toward your income limit.

At the end of the form, you sign and date the document. If someone completes the form on your behalf—a parent, guardian, or representative—that person must also sign and indicate their relationship to you. Unsigned forms are returned without processing.

Practical takeaway: Gather all required information before sitting down to complete the form: your school's official enrollment status, your employer's name and address, your exact work schedule, and your most recent pay stubs showing hourly rate or salary. Having these details in advance prevents errors and incomplete submissions.

What Happens After You Submit Form 3368

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