Q: How do I go about a family member collecting a death benefit check? How could I get the check put in my name?
Hello, I had some questions regarding to Social Security. My father had passed away years ago an I had been given a death benefit check. I'm currently 17 years old as of December 9th, of 2018 and pregnant, and I haven't lived with my mother in years. Yet she still collects the check for herself. I live with my grandmother and we don't see any money for some sort of support from her. Since I'm 17 years old I was wondering if I could have the check put in my name legally?
A: Your mother is currently receiving the funds as your representative payee because you are under age. You have several options. One is to go to the local Social Security office to find out if they can change that to your grandmother if you have sufficient proof that you live with her. Or your grandmother could file for child support against your mother at your county Domestic Relations Office. The SS benefits would be taken into account when an order was entered against your mother.
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