Benefits for Granddaughter -Help?....

[bodeg2012]

State SD - I receive SS Disability (I'm the grandparent) is it possible for my granddaughter to receive benefits as well - I do not have lgal custody of her - she's lived w/me her whole life - the mother says I can adopt her or give me legal custody if we need to go that route? Can I just be her legal guradian in order for her to receive benefits from me?

The father is listed on her BC but has never been a part of childs life - no support an he does not visit or see my granddaughter! Do we notify him - if we can even locate him? An can she receive disability benefits from me - she is 4!

 

[Ohiogal]

State SD - I receive SS Disability (I'm the grandparent) is it possible for my granddaughter to receive benefits as well - I do not have lgal custody of her - she's lived w/me her whole life - the mother says I can adopt her or give me legal custody if we need to go that route? Can I just be her legal guradian in order for her to receive benefits from me?

What does the father state?

 

[LdiJ]

State SD - I receive SS Disability (I'm the grandparent) is it possible for my granddaughter to receive benefits as well - I do not have lgal custody of her - she's lived w/me her whole life - the mother says I can adopt her or give me legal custody if we need to go that route? Can I just be her legal guradian in order for her to receive benefits from me?

The father is listed on her BC but has never been a part of childs life - no support an he does not visit or see my granddaughter! Do we notify him - if we can even locate him? An can she receive disability benefits from me - she is 4!

My understanding is that you would have to adopt the child before the child was eligible to receive benefits under your SS disability. That is not a simple or inexpensive matter, and might require the consent of the father.

 

[ecmst12]

"MIGHT" require the consent of the father? Of course he will have to consent!

 

[LdiJ]

"MIGHT" require the consent of the father? Of course he will have to consent!

Not necessarily. If the child is 4 and he has never had an contact with the child then it might fall under abandonment, which does not require the consent of the absent parent. Every state has abandonment laws, but they are all different.

 

[nextwife]

The father is listed on her BC but has never been a part of childs life - no support . . .

Is mom paying child support? Was child support ever applied for, from either parent - BOTH parents should be supporting their child. It is not "owed" unless it has been ordered.

 

[Antigone*]

State SD - I receive SS Disability (I'm the grandparent) is it possible for my granddaughter to receive benefits as well - I do not have lgal custody of her - she's lived w/me her whole life - the mother says I can adopt her or give me legal custody if we need to go that route? Can I just be her legal guradian in order for her to receive benefits from me?

The father is listed on her BC but has never been a part of childs life - no support an he does not visit or see my granddaughter! Do we notify him - if we can even locate him? An can she receive disability benefits from me - she is 4!

Why would she need government support? Why isn't her mother or father providing support? If she has been living with you her whole life I suggest you do the legwork to get support from her parents instead of adding this child to the burden of the US people.