The Role Of A Representative Payee
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Earlier this month, we discussed a new rule that the Social Security Administration plans to enforce. The rule addresses in greater detail who is and is not eligible to be a representative payee. Under the SSA's new rule, individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes will not be allowed to collect benefits on behalf of a Social Security disability recipient.
This new rule is an effort to protect the most vulnerable SSD recipients from being taken advantage of.The reasons behind this change are clear and honorable, and today we would like to discuss what exactly a representative payee does. Who needs one, who gets to be one, and what are their responsibilities?According to the SSA, representative payees are most often assigned to individuals who are unable to handle their finances alone. We already know that the SSA now refuses to accept people with certain criminal backgrounds as payees. Its goal is to find someone who will help a person manage his or her benefits honestly.
Often it is a lawyer, a friend, or a family member.Once a payee is approved, he or she is responsible for helping a beneficiary pay for everything from medical expenses, to groceries, to rent and other bills. Any leftover money from a benefit check should either be saved for the recipient or put toward debts.Representative payees are not only responsible for helping a beneficiary handle his or her finances, but they are also responsible for being transparent throughout the process. A payee should always share important financial information with the person who is receiving disability benefits.The representative payee program is in place to ensure that all SSD recipients are able to manage their benefits in a way that ensures their specific needs are met. However, as we discussed a few weeks ago, there are situations in which representative payees are not honest with the beneficiaries they work with.
In those cases, it is important to contact the SSA and an attorney at Terry Katz & Associates by calling (516) 997-0997 to ensure that you are not taken advantage of.Source: Social Security Administration, "When a Payee Manages Your Money," March 24, 2014
Hiring Terry Katz and associates to represent my interests in my Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability case proved to be a smart decision that yielded an extremely successful outcome.
Through the lengthy and intricate process I came to realize just how valuable having a team of highly skilled representation was, and that is just how to describe the law firm of Terry Katz and Associates “Highly skilled legal representation”. I’d like to thank the entire team who worked on both my cases all of whom were always professional, knowledgeable and extremely caring. Throughout my entire case all of my calls and emails were always returned in a timely manner. My questions always answered competently and professionally. I always understood the process and felt a confidence in the process that I would not have had if not for hiring Terry Katz and Associates.
Mostly I’d like to thank Ms. Langdale who worked tirelessly on both my workers compensation case and my social security disability case. Her representation and legal prowess in the court room was nothing short of impressive to witness. I will never forget how confidently represented and protected I felt during her opening remarks at my social security disability hearing.
During these difficult times I was truly grateful to have Ms. Langdale working so diligently and expertly for my interests.