The federal Social Security Administration (SSA) program often awards supplemental security income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to individuals who do not have the physical or mental capacity to handle their own financial affairs. If the SSA determines that the recipient is not in a position to act responsibly, it may appoint a representative payee on behalf of the beneficiary.
If you are considering an appointment as representative payee for a member of your family, there are steps you must take to meet the required criteria. To learn more about applying for benefits and the requirements and expectations for a representative payee, talk to an attorney at Berger and Green. With a record of evaluating more than 50,000 SSDI and SSI cases in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, we are in a unique position to answer your questions and help you with all of your claims needs.
Responsibilities of a Representative Payee
The Social Security Administration generally looks for family members and friends to serve as representative payees for SSDI and SSI recipients.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Using the funds solely for the benefit of the disabled beneficiary
- Applying benefits to purchase current and future needs of the beneficiary
- Setting up and administering a savings plan for unused benefits
- Keeping accurate records of how benefits are spent, saved or invested
Through the SSA's official website, it is possible to establish an online representative payee account.
We Offer a No-Cost Consultation to Answer Your Social Security Questions
If you feel that your loved one will benefit from an appointed representative payee, call us. We will explain the process. At Berger and Green, we use extensive experience to represent people at all stages of the Social Security Disability application and appeals processes. Regardless of where you are in the process, we offer knowledgeable and effective guidance.
From our main office in Pittsburgh, our attorneys provide SSDI and SSI services for clients throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Social Security lawyer today.
