Social Security Survivor Benefits

[lostbabygrl024]

My father passed away about 2 1/2 years ago. Ever since then my stepmother has been getting a SS check for both her and I, until I turned 16 last year. I know the check is to be used to take care of my needs and such, which she was barely doing while we were getting the check. For the past year or so she said they (SS) werent sending checks anymore. I didnt know whether she was telling the truth or not. But since then, I have moved out and am living with my boyfriend and his loving family. With 5 people in a singlewide mobile home, its a tight fit. What Im getting at here is that my stepmother (also my guardian) isnt the one taking care of me. Is there anyway of switching the residence the check goes to legally so that i am taking care of? Yvonne, 17

[aaron]

You would typically need to get another adult designated to be your legal guardian, and then ask Social Security to issue the checks to your new guardian. That would require your mother's consent or a court order.