Can children's social security survivor benefits pay for housing and food, or any other household expenses?

Yes. That is the purpose of survivors benefits. They are meant to help replace the lost income of a parent or spouse who had passed away. If you are receiving benefits for a child's welfare, you will also receive an annual notice from social secutity that will ask how the benefits were used and if any were put into savings. Normaly, you will ot be asked to produce receipts or any other proof that expenses were legitimate.

Children's survivor benefits are for their welfare, it is not something they themselves earned.

Survivor benefits are to support the children. So yes, they can be used for housing and food as well as clothing, electricity and toys. Any needs the child has. However, make sure you aren't using your money for the things you want.. then using your children's money for the things everyone needs. Not that this is an actual crime, but it's a moral crime that you can't be charged with. Not yet anyhow.

If you can financially support your children on your own, then you should take a portion of that money and put it away for the children's future education and support. Some day they may need it more then you might need the new pair of boots or that nice new shirt or electronics equipment.

If the money is absolutely needed to support the children, then by all means use it to do so!

Yes

yes