My husband and I have been caring for our nieces since their parents passed away 2 years ago. They have been receiving Social Security benefits. We opened up a saving account for each of them so that their checks could be deposited. My niece just turned 18 and social security has asked for any saved funds to be sent to them. Since this account is in her name do we need to return the funds.

Hi. Maybe not. Returning the conserved funds to Social Security would just require them to reissue them to your niece, so if the bank account in which the funds are currently held is properly titled in your niece's name then Social Security will probably authorize you to leave the funds where they are. Regardless, though, if you've been asked by Social Security to return conserved funds then you'll need to call or visit them in order to discuss your options.

Best, Jerry