Representative Payees Help You Manage Your Social Security | Social Security Matters

Some people who receive monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments may need help managing their money. If you need help, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits. A representative payee is someone who receives your monthly benefit payment on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your current needs, including:

FoodClothingPersonal care itemsHousing and utilitiesMedical and dental expensesRehabilitation expenses (if you have a disability)

If you need help managing your benefits, tell a Social Security representative that there is someone you want to be your representative payee. Your representative payee should be someone you trust and interact with often, and who clearly understands your needs. Social service agencies, nursing homes, or other organizations are also qualified to be a representative payee. Ask them to contact us.

If you don’t agree that you need a representative payee or if you want a different person to represent you, you have the right to request that we review your concerns.

Learn about Advanced Designation

There may come a time when you can no longer make your own financial decisions. Through Advance Designation you can name up to 3 people who could serve as a representative payee for you if the need ever arises. By designating trusted individuals in advance, you and your family can have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you.

You can submit your Advance Designation request when you apply for benefits. If you are already receiving benefits, you may also submit your request through your personal my Social Security account or by calling and speaking to a Social Security representative.

For more information, visit our webpage When People Need Help Managing Their Money.