Can a stepparent collect social security dependent benefits on a stepchild?

I think that my stepson's stepfather is collecting social security benefits on him. My husband is current on his child support obligations and the order states that he is paying more than required by law. Can the stepfather collect benefits on a child that isn't his biologically?

The child has not been adopted by his stepfater nor is the child disabled. The stepfather would be collecting dependent benefits because he is old enough to collect social security and the child is still a minor enrolled in high school.

If his natural father is making child support payments, then clearly the step father has not adopted him.

Yeah, this needs to be checked into. Start by calling your local SS office and tell them what you told us here. They will know the next step.

If the stepson is entitled to SS benefits and is a minor, SS will pay the benefits to a parent or legal guardian. There are some cases where the benefits will be paid to someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, so stepdad may be doing this legally.

if the stepfather is married to the mother....and the child is getting social security benefits, the check would go to the custodial parent.

no never

pay your support financially and emotionally

I hate deadbeat parents

Totally legal.

Only if he is the legal gaurdian and from what it sounds like he's not... I'd check into this if I were you.

did he adopt him?