General, Retirement, SSI

Understanding the Need for a Representative Payee

December 29, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

an older adult and younger adult working together at a computer screenYou may know someone who gets a monthly Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment and who also needs help managing their money. If someone you know needs help, we can appoint a person or an organization to act as a “representative payee” responsible for receiving and managing a person’s benefits.

When we assign a representative payee, we select someone who knows the beneficiary’s needs and can make decisions about how to best use their benefits for their care and wellbeing. Representative payees are responsible for completing an annual form to account for the benefit payments they receive and manage. They must complete this form and return it to Social Security by mail or, if they have a personal my Social Security account, they can file it online using the Representative Payee portal. Account holders can get a benefit verification letter and manage direct deposit and wage reporting for their beneficiaries.

You also have the option to identify, in advance, up to three people you trust to serve as your future representative payee and help manage your benefits, if the need arises. We call this Advance Designation. We offer Advance Designation to capable adults and emancipated minors who are applying for or already receiving Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Special Veterans Benefits. With Advance Designation, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits.

Find more information about:

If you know someone who needs help managing their monthly benefits, please consider becoming a representative payee. You can also help by sharing this information with friends and family.

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About the Author

Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Johnny M.

    I applied for social security at the age of 67 years old while I was still employed but when I retired from that job my social security benefits was cut in half. I’ve since re-entered the job market, should the social security administration increase my benefits to what it was originally when I working before?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Johnny. Thanks for visiting our blog. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can answer in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  2. Victor W.

    I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY.

    PLEASE CALL ME AND ALLOW ME TO RECEIVE YOUR ANSWERS.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Victor. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

    • Rose H.

      I am the guardian of my adult son. Is he able to make changes without me on the account?

  3. Denise E.

    I am my son’s payee. I am getting to old for this responsibility. My son needs a direct express card, he is capable of managing his money in my honest opinion. How can I see this happen?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Denise. Thanks for visiting our blog. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps. 

  4. Mariah G.

    I’m New at this just got my son’s benefits today I was wondering if it would be okay to pay my rent and car payment and utilities bills with that money

    • A.C.

      Hi, Mariah. Thanks for visiting our blog. First, you must take care of your son’s day-to-day needs such as food and shelter. For more information about how you must use the monthly benefits as his representative payee, please read our publication, A Guide for Representative Payees. We hope this helps.

       

  5. Ann D.

    I went to a SSA office about a year or so ago and the gentleman at the window, after he helped me, said to go to this SSA office located in the zip code where I live so they can further help me. I called this office to make an appointment to go in person but those who took my call said, no in person and to mail or fax the requirements. I mailed requirements but still no feedback, and it’s been two (2) years now. Please help! Kindly give me the contact info of Supervisor and office so I could file a complaint. Thank you!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ann. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

  6. Connie B.

    Well,irun out of money after my bills & tithe is paid. That means not enough grocery/otc/cleaning.
    Can’t hire home repair. I am a widow w ins to cover problems leaving me broke…I can’t have FS & otc is $16mo! One bottle of cleaner can be More than $16.
    Glad I get more than $1700 cause I would die.

    • Connie D.

      No one offered me help
      I don’t know what to do. My rent is yet to be paid. I stole $100 out of savings with no way to replace it. So I own $200 period.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Connie. We are sorry to hear about your situation. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

  7. HERMINIO C.

    Militar desabilitado , fuy estorcionado POR muchos anos ; POR la personona que ustedes decisnaron como mi administradora .
    Fuy enserado en un hospital siquiatrico por no SER complice de SU frude al seguro de mi casa ,la cual LE tuve que regalar para liberalme de ella .

    DOS CASAS CINCO CARROS , MI CREDITO LO ARUINO .
    A LOS CECENTA Y HOCHO ANOS ,NO TENGO UN SITIO SEGURO .
    ESTE ES EL PAGO POR SELVIR A ESTE PAIS POR 23 ANOS COMO MILITAR .
    MARDITO DE USTEDES EL QUE DIGA
    GRASIAS POR TU SERVICIO.
    SI USTEDES CIENTEN LO QUE DICEN . HAGAN JUSTICIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
    COMUNIQUECEN CONMIGO .

    USTEDES CON SUS INCUBRIMIENTOS AN COLANORADO CON EL SUICIDIO DE MUCHISIMOS VETERANOS .

    GRASIAS POR SUS ……..

  8. Anita C.

    If a person goes into a residential home can you still be the payee of that person.

    • Anita C.

      If a person goes into a residential home can you still be the beneficiary of that person.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Anita. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. For more information about representative payees, please visit our When People Need Help Managing Their Money page. We hope this helps.

    • Bizhan r.

      Yes, of course. If people need to help We can assist them

  9. Gina R.

    Can we get help with having someone appointed to helping us with a legal issue and bi problem with a trustee?

    • Kane W.

      Yes, you can get help with having someone appointed to help you with a legal issue and bi problem with a trustee. You should contact a lawyer or legal aid organization to get assistance with the process. Depending on the specifics of your situation, they may be able to provide advice on how to best approach the issue, or they may be able to provide representation to help you navigate the process.

      https://stemfixer.com/
      One-stop problem solving

  10. Judy R.

    Please limit “Tony’s” comments. I can’t get to the other comments because of his ranting.

Comments are closed.