Disability Resources

• Entity selected by SSA to receive and manage SSA benefits on behalf of a beneficiary that is:
  • under age 18, or
  • legally incapacitated, or
  • determined by SSA to be incapable of handling their money.
• Preference for family and friends, but may be an organization;
  • Some authorized by SSA to charge a fee, lesser of 10% of the monthly benefit amount or $35.
• Must use benefits for “current maintenance”
  • Food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and personal comfort items.
• Save any money left after meeting the beneficiary's current needs in an interest bearing account or savings bonds;
• Report any changes which could affect the beneficiary's eligibility for benefits or payment amount;
• Keep records of all payments received and how they are spent and/or saved;
• Provide benefit information to social service agencies or medical facilities that serve the beneficiary;
• Help the beneficiary get medical treatment when necessary;
• Notify SSA of any changes in your (the payee's) circumstances that would affect your performance or continuing as payee;
• Complete written reports accounting for the use of funds; and
• Return any payments to which the beneficiary is not entitled to SSA.
• Beneficiaries have 60 days to appeal the decision to appoint a rep payee or the appointment of a particular payee.
• If an individual wants a new payee, report problems to SSA or ask the person you want to fill out an application.
• Transparency is important.
• Beneficiaries or others can report problems: SSA will investigate all allegations of misuse.

This document is funded through a Social Security grant agreement. Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication. We developed this presentation at U.S. taxpayer expense.