What are the duties of a Representative Payee?
A Representative Payee acts on behalf of the Beneficiary, and is responsible for everything related to benefits that a capable Beneficiary would do for him/herself. The Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages Payees to go beyond just managing finances and to be actively involved in the Beneficiary’s life. The following lists the required duties of a Payee:
- Determine the beneficiary’s needs and use his or her payments to meet those needs
- Save any money left after meeting the beneficiary’s current needs in an interest bearing account or savings bonds for the beneficiary's future needs
- Report any changes or events 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
- Return any payments to which the beneficiary is not entitled to SSA
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