What Happens After You Win Your Case – Part 2: Representative Payee

After you receive a favorable decision on your Social Security Disability case, a decision also will be made on whether a representative payee is necessary. A representative payee is a person or organization that will receive benefit payments on behalf of the claimant. They are responsible for ensuring that the money they receive is spent properly on the needs of the claimant. Things like rent payment, groceries, medical bills, and personal care items will be costs expected that they pay for on the claimant’s behalf.

There are a few reasons that a representative payee would be required. One is that the claimant is a minor, which means the parent or guardian for the child is the one to receive the benefits owed. Another reason is that the claimant’s current circumstance suggests that they need assistance in managing their money. This may be due to reasons of mental or physical incapacity to care for one’s self.

Having a representative payee is not a bad thing. It can be required by the judge or can be requested by the claimant. The most important attribute of a representative payee is that they are trustworthy. The person chosen as the representative payee must have the best intentions and be willing to take on the responsibility of ensuring bills are paid and the claimant’s needs are met. Don’t fret if a representative payee is required to disburse payments after your case is approved but, choose wisely! SSA has more information on representative payees and how they can take on that responsibility successfully.