1601. Interest of the Beneficiary

1601.1 When does SSA select a representative payee?

When a beneficiary is unable to manage or direct the management of his or her funds, we select either an individual or an organization to serve as a representative payee.

1601.2 Must a beneficiary be declared legally incompetent before a representative payee is selected?

If we decide that a beneficiary is incapable of managing or directing the management of his or her funds, we appoint a payee. Beneficiaries under the age of 18 are generally considered incapable of managing their own funds and also require a payee. However, if a beneficiary is legally incompetent, he or she must have a payee.

1601.3 What evidence must be provided before a representative payee is selected?

Convincing evidence that an adult beneficiary is incapable of managing or directing the management of his or her funds must be provided before we appoint a representative payee. (See §§ 1604-1607 for a discussion of evidence.)

Last Revised: Aug. 2, 2007