You have been through a lot in your short life and you should be very proud that you have come so far and are looking toward college and a better futire.  Now, I do not know what has happened with support in the past when you were placed with your cousin.  Minors of deceased parents can indeed collect Social Security if your parent would have been entitled to them or they worked long enough to pay in to social security (social security taxes).  Now, here is the thing: benefits generally end when you turn 18.  What you need to find out is if you can apply for Child Survivor Benefits now - before you are 18 and ask for retroactive benefits. I believe that you can receive them for one year prior and that is all under the law but the social security benefit office will know.  But again, please go down NOW before you are 18.  Here is a link to read.  Good luck.http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10085.html