If a parent dies than the child is sent social security checks each month until they are 18. Is the amount of the check the same for everybody or does it matter how much the parent made? Is the remaining parent suppose to save the money or spend it for food and stuff?
I ask because my grandmother (father of my dead dad) said "oh, you must have so much money saved away for college from your ss checks." And I didn't know what she was talking about. My Mom and Step-Dad used it.
2006-12-19 05:10:18 · 7 answers · asked by kadan 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Oh, he did adopt me! I didn't know that that mattered! And they have lots and lots of money.
2006-12-19 05:28:51 · update #1
And when I turned 18 my mom took me down to do paper work because I was still in HS. My parents still took the checks though, they said it was "rent."
2006-12-19 05:32:16 · update #2
It is to be used to help support the minor. As a minor, your parents are responsible for your financial well-being. If your Dad had lived and your parents had divorced, he would have been required to pay child support - and that child support would have been used for your food, clothes, living expenses, etc. If your parents had not divorced he still would have been responsible for supporting you. The SS check was, in effect, replacing that support and if used for this purpose, your Mom and Stepdad had every right to apply it to that purpose. Your Grandmother was probably hoping that they had just put that money away and that would have been nice, but may have not been feasible. Here's a big BUT though. If your Stepdad legally adopted you then the responsibility of your biological father falls away, and those checks should have been banked for you for your future use.
EDIT: I tried to respond to your message to me on my 360 page, but your mail was blocked so : You added that your stepfather adopted you. I am not a lawyer, but I do know that when a stepfather adopts you, all of the biological father's financial responsibility is negated. The stepfather takes on that responsibility when he adopted you. Also, taking your checks from you for "rent" at the age of 18 is a big no-no. They could have demanded rent from you legally, but had no right to just commandeer your checks in lieu of it. I don't know your family situation or your relationship with them. Dependent on that you may want to consult a lawyer based on what you have stated. Then again, suing your immediate family is painful and could cause scars that would never heal. Weigh your decision carefully. Good luck to you.
2006-12-19 05:19:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the checks that are sent each month are to provide for you, (ex: the roof over your head, the clothes on your back, the food in your stomach, the sports that you play, the medical you recieve, etc...) They are to go for your care and upkeep. My mother received benefits for my siblings and I when our father passed, it was the same for all three of us, but as we turned 18, the checks got smaller. When I was a minor, my mother had a form that was mailed to her yearly and on it she had to fill out the amt and what it was spent on, she had to show that the money she received was used for our care, a portion could have been put into a savings acct for you, but not all of it. And if she put money aside it would have been her own choice to do so. So If there is no money I am sorry, but chances are there isn't. However when you turn 18 the check will come in your name to you, provided you are still in High School (you cannot be a drop out), and you will only receive a check until you graduate (this happened with me)--if that is the case your mom will receive notifications of benefits stopping (or reducing if there is more than one child) and you will receive a notification of benefits to start, but you will have paperwork to fill out, you must provide them with a lot of information including your graduation date. Hope this helps.
2006-12-19 05:20:16 · answer #2 · answered by HappyGoLucky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The amount of your check depends on how much your Dad made it is not the same for everyone.Your Mom and step Dad used the checks to help support you. With food and stuff.It would've been a nice thing for them to have saved a little back for your Education but it is not required unless your Dad had put it in writing that you were to have so much saved per month.
2006-12-19 05:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its for the care of the child. If the parent didn't need the extra money that the government was sending, then rightfully it should be in an account for the child to use, later.
2006-12-19 05:16:08 · answer #4 · answered by Tabitha 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how much your dad made in his lifetime. Ask your mom what she has been doing with the money. She may need it to buy you food and clothes.
2006-12-19 05:13:20 · answer #5 · answered by JS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's different for different people. My wife died and my kids get checks for her death. The amount does increase anually though. Sorry you got screwed by your mom and s-dad. Perhaps they used it to make your life more comfortable and couldn't really afford to save it up for you.
2006-12-19 05:15:57 · answer #6 · answered by El Pistolero Negra 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kada: if your parents opened an special trust fund account
with their bank. Then under the laws teenagers can recive
50% depending upon family Will after it's finalized .But state
income tax forms must be filled out plus house &phone bills
reported in with S.S.A part "B" please complete also income
bracket if yourself working studly only show !
please becareful ok ?
2006-12-19 05:28:53 · answer #7 · answered by toddk57@sbcglobal.net 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋