What fees are allowed if an organization is appointed legal guardian?
If you are a court appointed legal guardian for a beneficiary, a reasonable part of the beneficiary’s funds may be used for customary guardianship fees, provided the guardianship appears to be in the beneficiary’s best interest. These fees must be authorized and monitored by the court. Paying legal guardianship fees would not constitute proper use of benefits in the following situations: • Guardianship costs and fees are included as part of a state’s support obligation to the beneficiary, or you have been authorized by SSA to receive a fee for services from the beneficiary; • Costs or fees related to an unsuccessful petition for guardianship; or • The beneficiary’s funds will be depleted by the guardianship costs to the point where there are unmet personal needs. UNIT 7 — IMPROPER USE AND MISUSE OF BENEFITS • How does SSA handle allegations of improper use and misuse of benefits? SSA may receive complaints from the beneficiary, an authorized representative, vendor or a third party. SSA
