Can a minor change their representative payee for their SSI payments if it is their own mother?

Question

I'm helping out a woman whose daughter is 17, the minor requested a change to her representative payee to another individual. Does the mother have any rights? Doesn't the mother have to sign off on the change since she is the guardian/adult?

Answer 1

Not very easily. In order for her to change her payee,she will have to prove that her mother is using the money and not taking proper care of her. If she lives with her mother and the mother provides a home,food and clothing for her,that will be difficult to prove.

It sounds like she is trying to have a "friend" sign on as payee so she can spend the money herself. I doubt any judge would fall for her scheme.

Answer 2

I judge would have to make that determination but I would think the girl has already shown she is not responsible enough to make that judgment since she ran away.

Answer 3

a judge could compel her to make the change.

Answer 4

who raises the child gets the money, its for their care, not to blow on iTunes