Hearings on the elimination of social security children's benefits for college students over age 18, as specified by the 1981 Omnibus Reconciliation Act, are presented. This provision eliminated benefits for children of retired, disabled, or deceased workers once the child reaches age 18 or finishes high school, effective for those not enrolled as a full-time student in a postsecondary school by May 1, 1982. Concerns are raised about whether present and potential beneficiaries who will be directly affected by the legislative change will be adequately informed of how the change affects them and whether they will be informed in sufficient time to allow them to effectively plan their future. Some attention is also directed to whether other federal student aid makes up for the losses in Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. Testimonies are presented by Representatives of the U.S. Congress, officials of the Social Security Administration and the General Accounting Office, and representatives of professional associations. Sample SSA forms and other informational materials that provide explanations of the change in student benefits are presented, and the adequacy of the materials is discussed. (SW)