Social Security Demands Return of Child's Saved Death Benefits

[clem238]

My neighbor, whose husband died and she has received benefits for her child, who turned 18, said the SSI told her that the money she "saved" for him had to be sent back to the SSI. She stated "spend that money on them or they will want it back"

I thought that it was the child's money for school or whatever.

I showed I saved for my three daughter's but not to give back to SSI.

Please shed any light on this matter, btw, the SS website is no help

[Mr. Knowitall]

Ask her to show you a copy of the letter from the SSA, then post the key provisions of the letter here.

If you have your abbreviations right, you're talking about SSI - Supplemental Security Income - which is for people with little or no income and assets. It's possible that, as it's a means-tested benefit, her savings disqualify her from the benefit. SSI is not a term synonymous with "survivor benefits".

[clem238]

You're correct, it is "survivor benefits" her husband died also, not SSI. (sorry)

She doesn't have the letter but I found one lady online that stated SS office will take the money and cut the child a check, now that they are 18 and it is "their" money. Which sounds correct.

Thanks,
-K