1618. Current Needs of Beneficiary

1618.1 What are "current needs?"

"Current needs" are the immediate and reasonably foreseeable essentials for housing, food, clothing, utilities, medical care and insurance, dental care, personal hygiene, education, and the rehabilitation expenses of disabled beneficiaries.

1618.2 How should the representative payee evaluate and respond to the beneficiary's needs?

The representative payee is responsible for knowing and providing for the total needs of the beneficiary. Current needs should never be sacrificed to pay other expenses, to conserve or invest benefits, or to accumulate benefits for a future purpose.

Last Revised: Jun. 22, 2004