Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipient Claire Newkirk! Find out more about our previous winners here!
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we understand the importance of supporting individuals who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Through the 2027 Social Security Disability Advocacy Scholarship, we aim to recognize students who are passionate about improving the Social Security Disability (SSD) system. This scholarship encourages students to explore meaningful solutions that promote accessibility, efficiency, and fairness for individuals who rely on disability benefits.
Applicants are invited to examine the challenges faced by SSD beneficiaries and propose practical, ethical solutions to improve the system. By encouraging thoughtful ideas and innovative approaches, Schaffer & Associates LPA hopes to inspire the next generation of advocates dedicated to strengthening disability support and making a positive impact in their communities.
Application Deadline: July 31st, 2027
Award Amount: $1000
Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution.
- Employees of Schaffer & Associates LPA, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing
Application Requirements
The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
- Complete the form below with all required information
- Submit a 750–1,000 word essay responding to the prompt: Examine the role of Social Security Disability benefits in supporting individuals unable to work due to illness or injury. Describe how you would contribute to improving the SSD system, ensuring it is more accessible, efficient, and equitable for all beneficiaries.
- All essays will be checked for AI writing; submissions containing AI-generated content will be disqualified.
- Submit a professional résumé outlining academic and professional experience
- Submit a transcript from the current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or transfer students may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school along with the most recent official transcript from a prior school. High school seniors must submit proof of college or university acceptance
The recipient of the 2027 Social Security Disability Advocacy Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline of July 31, 2027.
For all scholarship-related inquiries, please use this contact form. We are unable to answer scholarship questions by phone, email, or through any other contact forms listed on this website.
Please complete the submission form below to submit your application.
