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Legal Representatives

Excerpted from "Social Security Handbook". See the up-to-date, official Social Security Handbook at ssa.gov.

1903. Legal Representatives

1903.1 What is the definition of "legal representative"?

As used in this Chapter, "legal representative" means an administrator or executor or other person who qualifies under a State statute (or, where applicable, the law of a foreign country) to receive payment on behalf of the estate.

1903.2 What must a person do to become a legal representative?

In order to be a legal representative, a person acting on behalf of an un-administered estate must:

  1. Prove to us that payment will relieve us of legal liability to any other person; and

  2. Provide proof of appointment or other evidence showing authorization under a State statute (or, where applicable, the law of a foreign country).

Note: Under the SSI program, an underpayment cannot be paid to an estate.

Last Revised: March, 2001


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