Social Security Survivor's Benefits?

I am 17 and I was wondering if I can get the check switched to my name and start receiving the money instead of my mother.

She is receiving a check for me and a check for my brother due to the fact that my father died. She wasn't married to him. She doesn't even spend the money on us.

You can have social security survivors benefits put in your name if you are 18 years of age and are a full time student. The closer you get to your 17th birthday your mother will receive a letter asking if you will still be a full time student once you turn 18 years.
Also, just try to remember if your mother is paying any of the utilities, mortgage,food, or clothing for the household, she is using the money for you. It may be funds that she needs to keep life going. I know that you would like to have the money for yourself and perhaps you can sit down with her and see if you can receive an allowance of some sort. Now if you prove that the money is not being spent to benefit either you or your brother, you can contact the Social Security office and they will help you out.
Hope this helps

well, only if you are her custodian can that happen, or unless you can show in a court of law she is not fit to receive them. It goes to the spouse. If not you can get nothing.

go talk with Rep from socials security they might be able to get you asocial worker or other family member to be the payee or file to get emancipated