Once someone is in long term care in a nursing home, how long before they take the social security check?

Immediately the money will need to be paid to them. The social security is for the person receiving it ONLY. No one else should be allowed to touch it. The exception of course is the spouse that needs that money to pay bills to survive.

I recommend seeing a certified elder law attorney to ensure that the surviving spouse is not left destitute and has the money to live on. www.nelf.org is the best place to find a certified elder law attorney in your area.