can a parent recieving survivor benifts for child use it to help pay bills?

Sounds as if you're the representative payee for your child's survivor benefits.

As representative payee, you must use the money to pay for the child's current needs, including:

* Housing and utilities;
* Food;
* Medical and dental expenses;
* Personal care items;
* Clothing; and
* Rehabilitation expenses if the child is disabled.

After paying those expenses, the payee can use the rest of the money to pay any past-due bills the child may have, give the child spending money, or provide entertainment for the child. If there is money left over, the parent should save it for the child.

The payee must keep accurate records of money and how it is spent. The payee also must regularly report this information to Social Security. Social Security will mail the payee a form. The payee can either fill out the form and mail it to Social Security or go online at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee to file the report.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10097.html