You may know someone who receives a monthly Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment and also needs help managing their money.
We can designate a person or organization to act as a “representative payee” responsible for receiving and managing a person’s Social Security or SSI 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 well-being.
An application is required, and an in-person interview may be necessary. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 and press 7 for Spanish to schedule an appointment.
Most 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 submit it online using the Representative Payee Portal (available in English only).
Account holders can also receive a benefit verification letter and manage direct deposit and wage reports for beneficiaries. Learn more about the portal at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/rep-payee (available in English only).
You also have the option to identify up to 3 people to act as your future representative payee and help manage your benefits, if the need arises. This is called Advance Designation.
We offer Advance Designation to capable adults and emancipated minors who are applying for or already receiving Social Security, SSI, or Special Veterans Benefits.
With Advance Designation, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing that someone you trust can be designated to manage your benefits. Learn more about:
Advance Designation at www.ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation (available in English only).
Representative Payees at www.ssa.gov/payee (available in English only).
Representative Payee publications at www.ssa.gov/payee/newpubs (available in English only).
If you know someone who needs help managing their monthly benefits, consider becoming a representative payee. You can also help by sharing this information with your friends and family.
By: Javier Morales
Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration in FL
Image: RPP
