About Representative Payees
In partnership with the Social Security Administration, P&A manages this program designed to increase protection for Social Security beneficiaries who use a Representative Payee. A Representative Payee, also called a Rep Payee, is a person who acts as the receiver of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income for people who are not fully capable of managing their own benefits. P&A works to ensure that funds are being used correctly and in the best interest of the beneficiary. This new program provides vital accountability services to protect the rights of SSA recipients. To report an issue relating to a beneficiary or representative payee please use the “Report an Issue” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
SSA requires a representative payee to perform the following duties:
- Manage funds so the beneficiary has no unmet needs. This includes
- housing and utilities;
- food;
- medical and dental expenses;
- personal care items;
- clothing; and
- rehabilitation expenses (if they have a disability).
- Account for all funds received and spent;
- Conserve any unspent funds appropriately; and
- Comply with all accounting and reporting responsibilities
- The SSA requires representative payees to keep records and, when asked, report how funds are spent on behalf of a beneficiary.
A majority of the representative payee reviews will be directly assigned to P&A by SSA. The P&A will also select other representative payees to review at its discretion.
P&A will conduct onsite reviews and educational visits at the direction of the Social Security Administration. The review includes:
- an interview with the individual or organizational representative payee;
- a review of the representative payee’s financial records including bank records, receipts, and invoices.
- a home visit and interview for each beneficiary included in the review; and an interview with legal guardians and third parties, when applicable.
If P&A has concerns that the representative payee is not fulfilling its duties, corrective action may be required. If corrective action is needed, either P&A or the SSA will contact the representative payee to explain the findings and begin the corrective action. If the review finds no corrective action is needed, the representative payee will receive notice that the review is complete.
Resources
- Contact your local social security office
- Social Security Guides Publications are available on multiple topics in both written and audio versions
- Social Security’s Frequently Asked Questions for Beneficiaries
- Social Security’s Frequently Asked Questions for Payees
Report an Issue
If you or someone you support has been abused, neglected, or exploited, please click here for more information on reporting this abuse. If you or someone you support is in immediate danger, call 911.
Click the button below to report an issue related to a beneficiary or representative payee to P&A.