A Representative Payee is someone who manages Social Security or SSI payments on behalf of someone. For example, in general, all children under age 18 who receive Social Security benefits must have a representative payee. Likewise, adults with disabilities may require a representative payee.
If you are concerned that someone you know becomes incapable of managing or directing the management of his or her benefits, please call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment to discuss your concerns.
Generally, the SSA looks for family or friends to serve as representative payees.
When friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security looks for qualified organizations to be representative payees.
A representative payee must use funds for the beneficiary. The representative payee must make an accounting of how funds were spent for the beneficiary.