My father passed away, when I was 14 years old, on 4/20/2012. My mother applied for his death benefits for herself, my younger sister, and me. It was approved and she has been receiving it for quite some time, and still to this day. She isn't the best with money, it doesn't get spent on my sister or myself for food, clothing, or anything of that sort. We are all living with my grandmother and she pays for everything.
I will be turning 17, in a month. I was under the knowledge that when I turned 16 I could start receiving it myself, directly to me. I'm not the average teenager who wants it just to waste it away; I have a part-time job. I am ending my junior year right now and am ahead of the game. I'm starting college this summer and my first year of college; while, attending my final year of high school. I could use the money to be into my college fund. So, my question is can I receive it?
Yes, I am well aware that I should call Social Security. I'm just trying to see if I can, before I have to spend hours on hold, getting sent all over the place.
By Katherine
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Are you absolutely positive that your mother isn't paying room and board/rent to your grandma? If you are positive, how do you know for sure? If the money isn't being used for your clothing, how are you getting the clothes? How do you know your mother hasn't been putting the majority of the money into savings for you and your sister? I have heard of minors loosing their Survivor's Benefits when they turn 16.
I have never been on hold for an extended period of time when I call the SS Office, I also have never been transferred from one person to the next, other than after the phone has been answered I get transferred to an employee that is the proper one to talk to. When you call the office, they tell you about how long it will be before a representative can talk to you, and they also tell the next times of day, days of the week and time of the month to call.
Benefits usually end when a child turns 18 or finishes high school. You can go on Social Security's website for answers to many questions. Since you are essentially 17 and a junior, you don't have much time or many monthly payments left. Personally, I'd visit my closest office and talk to someone face-to-face.
Since you are still in high school, I'd take as many AP classes as possible at your high school - think free college credit. You can also clep out of many college courses, for the cost of a test fee, for full college credit - freshman health, English I, Algebra I, etc. You can buy the actual book used at the college bookstore, study on your own, and sign up for the clep test at the college.
No matter what SS says, I'd stay in high school and get credit for as many college courses as possible, in any way possible. Also, apply for as many scholarships as you can find.
Hi - you are wasting valuable time trying to get answers any place but the SS office. Telephone is okay but hard to get individual answers as they cannot safely identify who is talking, and they cannot change anything. Make an appointment and go in person. Is this worth waiting for?
It seems your mother is the one who should go with you but she may not wish to give up any of the money she receives.
Your grandmother would be the next logical choice but she may not wish to go with you either - for any number of reasons.
Basically. children are not usually awarded the payment unless they are self supporting or living at college. There are not always "set" rules as many cases just do not fall in a "category".
If it is true that you live with your grandmother and your mother does not give her money for your support or saving it for you (provable) then rightfully your grandmother is the one who should be receiving the check. Sometimes this is difficult to prove if legal custody has not been changed to your grandmother.
Sometimes it comes down to who is claiming children on their Federal tax return? Your mother may be claiming/doing things she should not be doing - legally - so be careful how things are worded and give lots of thought before "convicting" your mother.
Just wanted to throw out some of the things I have seen happen so you, your mother and your grandmother could give this some thought before talking to the SS office.
Just curious - is your grandmother (or mother) aware that you are wanting to make this change?
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