<prompt> Human: My mom passed away two weeks ago. She was a single mom, divorced. My brother is technically my half-brother, although growing up I practically raised him. My main question is about him: Can I apply for Survivor Social Security benefits for him? Does his father have to do this? I am looking for advice from anyone who has gone through a similar situation. How exactly do survivor benefits work? Any minors here receiving Social Security Survivor benefits?Im also open to advice on what to do when a parent passes.It has been difficult for me as the eldest child. I have had to make all the final arrangements as well as worry about caring for my brother. Now I live on the opposite side of the state as him. I would eventually like to take custody of him, but for now its easiest if his dad takes custody so that the courts dont have to get involved. His dad has never really been involved in his life until recently.She was on full disability at the time of her passing. She did not own a home. I am letting her credit cards go and her car get repoed. I would have liked my brother to have it since hes almost 16, but she still owes 15k on it. Fortunately she had her username and password autofilled on her banking website, so I was able to move her money out of her checkingsavings accounts. There wasnt much, but I did this to prevent her creditors from seizing it. I left a little bit in each account just in case.She had MediCal and Medicare medi-medi. I believe my brother had the same benefits. Luckily its open enrollment at my work right now, so Im going to add him to my health insurance unless theres a reason that I shouldnt!Her death certificates are on the way. I ordered 5 at the funeral home.These are all the important details. If there are other things I should be doing, please shout out. Thanks for reading.Assistant: uund323Some questions sorry if I missed them:1. Does she have a will? 2. If so, who is the executor?3. Does she have any assets? If so, what and how much? 4. Does she have any debts? If so, what and how much?5. Do you know anything about probate?6. Will you consult an attorney?7. Do you have any family familiar with probate? Fortunately she had her username and password autofilled on her banking website, so I was able to move her money out of her checkingsavings accounts. You likely cant just do this without authorization. In fact this was a bad decision without knowing more. You need to be more careful. There wasnt much, but I did this to prevent her creditors from seizing it. So you tried to transfer assets without permission to potentially deceive creditors? Who advised you to do this strategy? ---I would recommend you consult with an attorney to aid you in the process. This is also a legal issue, so post on rlegaladvice.Human: The other thing would be if theres any life insurance or protected retirement accounts.But OP done fucked up by trying to circumvent probate in moving money out of the bank.Assistant: There is a life insurance policy. Waiting for the dust to settle before claiming and also waiting to receive death certs. I believe she emptied her retirement accounts to pay for bills related to her illness. OP done fucked upMaybe show a little compassion. Im doing the best that I can. I dont know what probate is, but I understand I made a mistake.  <response>: I dont know what probate is, but I understand I made a mistake.Keep detailed records of everything assets and debts. Try and find information on any accounts andor policies IRA, Life Insurance, Savings etc.. -Consult some local professionals legal who are familiar with estate proceedings and probate. 