I am 45 years old and have been living with my parents now for the last five years. I am also disabled and on Social Security. I cannot work and my mother and father are about to pass away. I'm on a fixed income. Is there any way I can collect off my father or mother to help me out in life so I won't go homeless?
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Survivor benefits are generally for children 19 and younger. I would make an appointment with Social Security and see what they can do to help you, if anything. You may be eligible for additional benefits.
is it possible that you are or could apply to be legally dependent on them? I believe though am no expert that if you were legally incompetent IE dependent you would receive survivor benefits
You should pay a personal visit to your local Social Security office and discuss this with them (something like this cannot be discussed over the telephone).
You should try to do this before either of your parents die as that may make a difference in what can be done.
You might also want to contact someone with Family Services to see if you can get free legal advice so you will know what to do in case you cannot get additional help.
I do not believe you will be able to draw from their SS accounts but you may be able to apply for help from other sources.
Do your parents own any property, house (?), have bank accounts, car, or other valuables that you will inherit? Do they have a will? Insurance polices?
Who will be responsible for their burial expenses?
These are the sort of questions you need to ask if you can get legal assistance through your Family Services.
I feel sure you are receiving food stamps and probably on Medicaid so those two programs should be a big help in supplementing your fixed income but there may be other programs you could be eligible for so be sure to ask your social worker about this.
If you or your parents do not presently own your home then you should start asking about how to get into a free or low cost housing program as there is usually a long waiting list.
No you cannot collect survivors benefits as an adult. I believe the only exception to that is if you are a full time student. Apply for an income based apartment now, because there can be a waiting list of two years or more. You should be able to get food stamps, if you are not able bodied enough to work. Otherwise you may be able to work part time, and still collect disability. You do not mention the nature of your disability but I would start planning now, and saving any money you can.
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