Need Help Managing Social Security Benefits?

You might try the not-so-well-known “representative payee program.” Authorized by Congress over 80 years ago, this program provides help to beneficiaries who have difficulty managing their Social Security income, such as people with cognitive disorders. It’s been reported that more than 5 million Social Security beneficiaries currently have representative payees. A typical representative payee is a relative or close friend of the beneficiary needing assistance, but Social Security can also name an organization or institution for the role, like a social service agency as one example. The representative uses the Social Security payments to meet the beneficiary’s essential needs, such as food, shelter, household bills, and medical care, and also for personal needs like clothing and recreation. The representative safeguards any remaining money, keeps it clearly separated and fully owned by the beneficiary, and keeps records of benefit payments received and how the money was spent or saved. He or she would also report to Social Security any changes or events that could affect the beneficiary’s payments. If you believe your senior loved one may need a representative payee, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and make an appointment to discuss the matter at their local office. Applying to serve as a payee usually requires a face-to-face interview. For more information on the program visit SSA.gov/payee. There is also a guide for the program available at “A Guide for Representative Payees.”