What is the representative payment program?
The representative payment program assists the most vulnerable members of society—the young, the elderly, and the disabled who are not capable of managing or directing someone else to manage their benefits. While most people receive their benefits directly, others need assistance. We pay these people through representative payees who receive and manage monthly payments on behalf of the beneficiary. SSA finds a payee who will act in the best interests of the beneficiary. SSA recognizes that representative payment works best when there is collaboration between SSA, the payee and the beneficiary. By providing representative payees with a clear understanding of their role, and providing support to execute their duties, we can ensure that benefits are used in the best interest of our beneficiaries. • What is a representative payee? A person, agency, organization or institution selected to receive and manage benefits on behalf of an incapable or legally incompetent beneficiary. This includes
