Little Girl Lost Mom 2 Yrs Ago and Dad Just Died...

Awww. How sad. It is true, she should be getting Social Security payments. You might even be able to get retroactive payments for her. Sorry, I don't have any actual specifics.

That is wonderful that your SIL is able to help her little sis. It is a big responsibility. My mom died when I was 11 years old. I absolutely hated the fact that I had to ask my dad questions about sex ed and had to come to him when I needed a training bra and started my period. (He was very nice about it, but I just felt weird talking to him about it.)

I was lucky that in high school, I babysat for a woman who kind of took me under her wing. You might be able to take that role for this little girl and just let her know that you are available if she has any questions.

I never had anyone to teach me how to wear make up, talk to boys, or navigate college admissions. I had to figure it out by myself. Maybe you can help her with that when the time comes. Good luck. What a sad situation.

ETA: She should have received Social Security benefits (or her father should have received them) when her mother died. Now that her father died, she might receive even more money.

Any chance there was a will that included information on guardianship? That would sure make things a lot more clear cut and potentially reduce legal fees. Definitely consult an attorney; probably one that practices family law. Yes, the child (or her guardian) will receive social security benefits; contact the social security administration to find out what to do. They have a ton of info on their website, so that'd be a good place to start.

Update:
Actually, the little girl should have already been receiving social security following the death of her mom. It applies whenever there is the death of one parent. Her dad should may have also been receiving social security as a dependent following his spouse's death. The benefits may increase now for the little girl. Social Security needs to be contacted immediately.

FYI.. They need to get lots of original copies of the dads Death Certificates.. Many places need to be able to KEEP an original copy to verify this child's parents are dead.. So the funeral home or who ever is processing his body.. is the best place to get these originals ordered from.. They each cost money.. but it is way more expensive to get them later..

The need to contact the social security office to see what needs to be done. The guardianship thing may have to be in place before anything is released but I could be wrong. You didn't say how old the sister was.

Your brother and sister-in-law really should meet with a probate attorney. The biological dad's estate will need to be processed and, if he doesn't have a will, the property transferred to the child. The attorney can also help to walk your brother and his wife through any guardianship paperwork that must be filed and can get them the proper social security paperwork. Best of luck.

Here is some from Social Security regarding survivors benefits:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10084.html#a0=0

This link does a little more explaining:

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/Children%E2%80%...

I'm not sure if your SIL little sister is in Colorado like you, but here is some information about how property and such is passed:

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/09101.html

Lastly, here is some information on kinships in Colorado:

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-ChildYouthFam/C...

I hope everything works out for her.