Page "Supplemental Security Income" Paragraph 93

Generally, the person qualifying for benefits is determined to be capable of managing their own financial affairs, and the benefits may be disbursed directly to them.

In the case of persons who have a diagnosed mental impairment which interferes with their ability to manage their own finances, the Social Security Administration may require that the person assign someone to be their representative payee.

This person will receive the benefits on behalf of the disabled individual, and disburse them directly to payors such as landlords, or to the disabled person, while providing money management assistance ( help with purchasing items, limiting spending money, etc .).

The representative payee generally does not charge a fee for this service, especially if its a friend or relative.

Social service agencies who are assigned as payee are prohibited from charging a fee, though some private payee agencies do provide the service for a small fee.

Some states and counties have representative payee agencies ( also called substitute payee programs ) which receive the benefits on behalf of the disabled person's social worker, and disburse the benefits per the social worker's instructions.