Legal Definitions - Representative payee

A representative payee is a person or organization authorized by the Social SecurityAdministration (SSA) to receive benefits on behalf of someone who is unable to manage their own finances. This program is designed to help individuals who are not competent to manage their legal affairs, such as those with mental or physical disabilities.

For example, if someone receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments but is unable to manage their own finances, the SSA may appoint a representative payee to receive and manage those payments on their behalf. The representative payee is responsible for using the funds to meet the recipient's basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

The SSA will first look to the recipient's friends or family members to serve as the representative payee. If no suitable person is available, the SSA will look for a qualified organization to manage the benefits. If you are concerned that someone you know is unable to manage their benefits, you can contact the SSA to request consideration for enrollment in the Representative Payment Program.