if a person has a social security account and because itis joint someone steals the money what law is there?

Question

in a joint account if a person deposits money and the other account holder only has permission to pay bills. but uses the money for fun instead of paying the bills. how do you get them procecuted when because the wrong person uses the funds for any thing but it's intended purpose.

Answer 1

You can't do anything because a joint account means a joint account. Either person has all access to the account and they both have gave the other one permission by signing up for an account together. That involves a lot of trust and if you can't trust the other person, you should not get an account with them.

Answer 2

First of all, you're talking about a joint checking (or savings) account, not a social security account. If you and another had signed the papers at the bank so each could draw funds from the account, the person abusing this priviledge cannot be sued. Your joint contract with the bank allows that person to withdraw funds. The bank doesn't care what the funds are for. That agreement is between the two of you, not the bank. I'm afraid you're stuck. You need to have your own account with just your name on it.

Answer 3

As a former 32 yr social security employee there is no law protecting your benefits if you decide to deposit them into a joint account. However, if the person who is misspending money is doing so because they have become mentally incompetent (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer's, senility or some other severe form of mental illness) you could file with social security to become that person's payee. Social Security will obtain a statement from the physician regarding his/her ability to manage funds in his/her own best interests.
If you feel that this person needs a payee you should go to the local ss office. You will need proof of identity e.g. driver's license. If a determination is made that a payee is needed, he/she will be notified & given time to contact SS about the issue. Since I've been retired 9 yrs some things may have changed. Being appointed someone's payee is pretty serious business.

Answer 4

Its hard because that person has access to the account. If this was chosen outside the choice to the account holder then you may be able to prosecute.

Answer 5

Here is a place you can contact
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/guidelin.htm