The articles on this page explain the responsibilities of a Social Security representative payee, how payees are appointed, and how payees must manage benefits and keep records.
When disability recipients can't manage their money, whether due to mental incapacity or alcohol or drug addiction, Social Security will appoint a representative payee to receive the disability checks and pay for the recipient's expenses. Parents of children receiving SSI are also representative payees (unless they're judged incapable of managing money wisely).
The articles on this page explain the responsibilities of a Social Security representative payee, how payees are appointed, and how payees must manage benefits and keep records.
What Is a Representative Payee for Social Security Disability?
Disabled individuals who need help managing their benefits may need a representative payee.
How Does Social Security Choose Your Representative Payee?
Can I choose this person, or does Social Security force me to use a certain payee?
How to Handle Large Payments of Disability Back Benefits
Recipients of SSDI backpay can spend the money as they wish,
How Is a Child’s SSI Payment Supposed to Be Spent?
Social Security has many rules about how you can spend a child’s SSI disability benefit.
SSI Dedicated Accounts for Child Disability Benefits
You must put large SSI disability back payments into a dedicated account, not currently paid benefits.
Can I File a Disability Application on Behalf of My Spouse?
If your spouse is physically or mentally unable to apply for Social Security disability benefits and you wish to file on their behalf, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has rules that make that possible in certain situations.