1600. Appointment of a Representative Payee

1600.1 What is a representative payee?

A representative payee is a person or organization SSA selects to receive and manage benefits on behalf of an incapable or legally incompetent beneficiary.

1600.2 What is SSA's policy on appointment of representative payees?

Our policy is that legally competent adult beneficiaries have the right to manage their own benefit payments. However, where there is evidence that a beneficiary is not able to manage or direct the management of benefit payments in his or her own best interests, representative payment may be made.

1600.3 What does this chapter cover?

This chapter provides guidance on:

1. What constitutes incapability to manage or direct the management of funds;

2. What determines the need for and selection of a representative payee; and

3. What is proper use of the benefit payments by the representative payee.

Last Revised: Nov. 3, 2003