Social Security for Minors
© 1997 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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Can Social Security benefits be paid directly to anyone under 18?

As a general rule, no. Social Security benefits will be paid to your parent or other adult for you. The parent or adult in this case is commonly called the "representative payee."

In some cases, older minors may be paid Social Security benefits directly if they show that they can manage money. Examples include:

1. minors who receive Social Security benefits based on their own earnings record

2. minors who are in the military

3. minors who live away from their parents' home and who support themselves or manage their own financial affairs

4. minors who are parents and capable of managing Social Security benefits

5. minors within 7 months of their 18th birthday who are filing for Social Security benefits for the first time

How can I get Social Security benefits paid directly to me?

Contact the Social Security Administration and ask that the payments be made directly to you. You will need to show that you can manage the benefits yourself. Tell the Social Security worker if you fall into one of the above categories. You have the right to prove that you can manage money.

What if my request is denied by the Social Security Administration?

You have the right to submit additional evidence that you can manage your Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review the new evidence and make another decision. If SSA denies your request again, you have the right to ask SSA to reconsider. You must do so within 60 days of the date of SSA's denial notice. Feel free to call us immediately after SSA has turned you down. We will tell you how to file for reconsideration, or we may agree to take your case.

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