SSI adoption?

Question

I have custody of my granddaughter now , she is 3 years old, I have for 2 years now , my husband died in Dec . I was told if I adopt her she can draw servivor benafits from my husbands ssi... can this be ??? even doing it after he has passed away ?? that would really help me to take care of her ,I am in my 50s and have to work to help ,so I am not drawing ao my savings every month...

Answer 1

That may be the case.  Here is a link on how to contact Social Security.

Answer 2

I strongly suggest that you find another grandparent through the AARP who has been in a similar situation to advise you at:

Amy Goyer, National Coordinator, AARP Foundation Grandparent Information Center

AARP Foundation Grandparent Information Center, 601 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049

They also have state by state fact sheets on a WEB page called:

"State Fact Sheets for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children"

http://www.giclocalsupport.org/pages/sta...

The AARP is lobbying for increased support for custodial grandparents and many states have new provisions.  Also, check with your employer if they provide benefits for their employees who are fostering.  If so, you should be eligible as well.  Some (but not all) social services departments will work with you to help you provide for your granddaughter by helping you establish permanent guardianship or adoption and figuring out how you may qualify for services.

That said, as you pursue getting some help keep in mind that not all state social services departments are supportive of grandparents raising their grandchildren, and they look for reasons to remove grandchildren from their grandparent's homes to place them in stranger adoption situations through foster care.  Be extremely careful when you talk at ANY social worker.  Keep your ears open to his/her attitude toward you.  Never express that you are struggling emotionally.  Always sound upbeat and never, ever, say that you feel tired.  Again, network with grandparents in your region to understand how to best care for your granddaughter.

Good luck and keep loving that precious little girl!

Editted  - Hello - bustnbuut - did I not say SOME ( as in not ALL SWs??)  Jesszzs it is hard work to answer questions on YA.

Answer 3

I don't know, but I certainly hope so to make your life easier.  You should contact SSI.

Answer 4

I don't think so... If you chose to adopt after the death. He would have had to sign the papers reguarding inharatence and all that.  If you do it quietly  then apply after getting her new SS number they'll not even notice she's adopted.IDK

Answer 5

Call the Social Security Office, you may qualify for regular social security for her. They may have you apply for both. BUT, it also depends on how much money you have in savings or checking accounts. They won't give it to you I don't think if you can afford to support her. But it wouldn't hurt to try. If you do have limited income you should qualify for one or the other. And yes, they will use his since he probably earned more than you have. It wouldn't affect his if he were alive anyway.

Answer 6

I am pretty offended by the previous answer, as I am one of the "untrusted" social workers for social services. In fact, kinship foster homes, or foster care with ANY relative is ALWAYS preferred. Part of our jobs is to help when grandparents are struggling so that the situation wont have to change.

But yes, your granddaughter should be able to get survivor benefits from SSI if you adopt her. The amount you receive is proportional to how much the deceased person worked in their lifetime. The benefits are dependent on the child being in school and the school has to verify this.

Good Luck!