Disability, SSI

Making Wise Choices When a Representative Payee Manages Your Money

January 23, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: July 16, 2021

" "Some of the millions of people who get monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits need help managing this money. A person assigned to help you manage your monthly benefits is called a representative payee. We may decide you need a representative payee if we receive information that indicates you need help to manage your money. We try to select someone who knows you and wants to help you. Your representative payee should be someone who you trust, who sees you often, and who clearly understands your needs.

A representative payee receives your monthly benefits on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your current needs. Eligible costs include:

  • Housing and utilities.
  • Food.
  • Medical and dental expenses.
  • Personal care items.
  • Clothing.
  • Rehabilitation expenses (if you’re disabled).

If there is someone you want to be your representative payee, tell a Social Security representative, and they will consider your request. Social service agencies, nursing homes, or other organizations are also qualified to be your representative payee. Ask them to contact us.

If you receive a decision that you are appointed a representative payee and don’t agree that you need one, or if you want a different representative payee, write to us within 60 days to appeal that decision.

If you can’t manage your finances, someone else can help. If you have a trusted friend or family member who can be your representative payee, our publication, A Guide for Representative Payees, will provide more information on our representative payee rules.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Haylie

    You have a tremendous website. Certainly a fantastic piece of work .It has relevant information. Thanks for info posting this.
    https://www.cuponism.com.my

  2. Mar

    Is SSI an automatic benefit of for those who did not have a 40 credit eligibility? This question was often discussed in our inner circle. We are immigrants; some are entitled while some are not. Those who are US citizens for several decades worked a little was not qualified to social security when they even reached 67 because of a lack of credits.

    Many elders immigrate here in the US at the 60s who end up getting SSI when they become a citizen and have never worked in the US. Some even get food stamps with it. And they live a good life with their children.

    What is the use of affidavit of support in petitioning these elders by their children if the government ends up providing for them? Many of these elders live in nice houses and abundance with their children who petition them. Just feel bad for those who really need assistance but having a hard time getting it.

  3. Mar

    Is SSI an automatic benefit of for those who did not have a 40 credit eligibility? This question was often discussed in our inner circle. We are immigrants; some are entitled while some are not. Those who are US citizens for several decades worked a little was not qualified to social security when they even reached 67 because of a lack of credits.

    Many elders immigrate here in the US at the 60s who end up getting SSI when they become a citizen and have never worked in the US. Some even get food stamps with it. And they live a good life with their children.

    What is the use of affidavit of support in petitioning these elders by their children if the government ends up providing for them? Many of these elders live in nice houses and abundance with their children who petition them. Just feel bad for those who really need assistance but having a hard time getting it.

  4. Mar

    Is SSI an automatic benefit of for those who did not have a 40 credit eligibility in retiring age? This question was often discussed in our inner circle. We are immigrants; some are entitled while some are not. Those who are US citizens for several decades worked a little was not qualified to social security when they even reached 67 because of a lack of credits.

    Many elders immigrate here in the US at the 60s who end up getting SSI when they become a citizen and have never worked in the US. Some even get food stamps with it. And they live a good life with their children.

    What is the use of affidavit of support in petitioning these elders by their children if the government ends up providing for them? Many of these elders live in nice houses and abundance with their children who petition them. Just feel bad for those who really need assistance but having a hard time getting it.

    • sandra

      agree

  5. Jeana B.

    My mother Janie boyd didn’t receive her benefits for February.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jeana. If your mother still needs to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!

  6. Betty m.

    I want to change banks with my s.s disability checks do i have to go i n office to do it?B

    • Mustafa

      Ow
      https://www.baytronik.com/gaziantep-web-tasarim/

    • A.C.

      Hi, Betty. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.

      • Zachary L.

        Missing payment for march of 2020.

        • A.C.

          Hi, Zachary. If you do not receive your electronic payment on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks!

  7. dawncbrown

    Hi there I’m calling for a friend of mine who has eastern is there payee and apparently they’re paying the rent late and have been the whole entire time which is a $45 fee on top of that they are very difficult to work with regarding issuing checks for emergency situations and made an agreement two weeks ago and still no check sent also they are charging $42 a month which is 10% which is extremely high so hoping the Social Security Administration can come back and find a more affordable alternative and figure out how to dispute and recoup a year plus worth of $45 late fee per month or how to handle the situation because it’s insanely expensive to lose $100 a month and you only receive about 900 something and it’s disheartening so any information on how to handle this greatly appreciated my friend is on a fixed income this is ridiculous an unacceptable! Please advise thanks much

  8. Ophelia L.

    A friend has been categorized as someone needing a rep. payee. Her son has been chosen for the job but she has reservations about him because he has mishandled money at several jobs he’s had. She said she will accept him for the time being but it she wants another rep. in the future, how can she change? What is the procedure?

    • just h.

      She needs to go to her local SSA office with the person she would like to be her new payee. Both need a valid photo ID.

  9. Marilyn

    Is Hashimoto a disability, I have to take a pill every day for the rest of my life in order to stay alive? No thyroid

  10. T

    I started receiving my SS check last year at $800/mo- age 63. I’ve been married for over 30 years. When my spouse, he’s 61, decides to take his SS, will I receive an increase in my SS check? He’s a high wage earner who has worked for 45 years. Or by me taking my SS early on my own work record end the chance of any increase? Thank you

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