Representative Payee for Social Security Benefits
Social Security has a program that helps you manage your benefits if you cannot manage your income payments. The program is called Representative Payment Program and includes Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will choose a representative payee (payee) who will manage your payments. You are called the beneficiary.
What Is a Payee?
A payee is a person or organization that helps someone manage their benefits. They are chosen by SSA. SSA first looks for a friend or family member to serve as a payee. If one is not able, SSA chooses an organization.
What Does a Payee Do?
The payee uses the money to buy and pay for things you need. They save any extra money. The payee has to be careful with the money and spend it on your behalf. They need to keep track of how they spend it.
How Are Payees Chosen?
If you cannot manage your benefits, SSA can pick someone to help you. SSA will gather facts and look into whether you need a payee. Then, SSA will make a choice.
You can disagree if you think you don’t need help. You have 60 days to tell Social Security. You can also disagree with who they pick to help you.
You can choose up to three people to serve as your payee in the future. If you need help, one of these people will be chosen.
More Resources
- You can find your local SSA office at the Social Security Administration website.
- You can learn more about the Representative Payee Program at the SSA’s Representative Payee website.
- The SSA also has Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on their website for beneficiaries and payees.
