How to Cash a Child's SSI Checks
If your child receives an SSI check, you will find yourself cashing this check each month. Many people have difficulty with this type of third-party check, even if the child is old enough and able to sign the check. The process does not have to be hard. If you have a checking or savings account, following a few simple steps should ease the check-cashing headaches.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Checking or savings account
- SSI check
- Proof of ID for yourself
- Proof of ID for your child, such as birth certificate or insurance card
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Endorse the Check
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1
Have your child sign the check if he or she is old enough to write. If not, sign the child's name for him and write "by parent" next to his or her name.
-
2
Sign your name underneath your child's name. Write "parent" next to your name.
-
3
Write the account number of your checking or savings account underneath your signature.
Fill Out the Deposit Slip
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1
Write the amount of the check on the first line for check amounts.
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2
Write a notation in the description line, such as the check number or your child's name.
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3
Write on the deposit slip other checks or cash you are depositing, if any.
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4
Total the amounts you are depositing or cashing and write the sum in the Subtotal field.
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5
Write the amount of cash you want back, if any, in the Less Cash field.
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6
Write the total amount you want to deposit in the Net Deposit field.
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7
Sign the deposit slip if you are getting any cash back.
Deposit or Cash Check
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1
Take the signed check and deposit slip to the bank clerk.
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2
Explain that you are cashing or depositing your child's check.
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3
Provide proof of ID if requested.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You may want to have yourself added as payee on the checks. Discuss this with the Social Security office.
To eliminate this process every month, have the check direct deposited into your bank account.
Another simplifying option is to open a savings account in your child's name and use it for cashing or depositing the check.
Cashing a child's check needs to be done in person. Do not deposit it into your account through the ATM or night deposit box because this can cause it to be returned as a third-party check.
A few banks may still refuse to cash a third-party check, even under these circumstances. If you find yourself in this predicament, your only option may be to find a check-cashing business to help you.
