How to Apply to Be a Representative Payee
- Purple
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
If someone you care for receives Social Security or SSI benefits but struggles to manage money on their own, you may be able to help by becoming their representative payee.
A representative payee is a person or organization appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to manage benefit payments on someone else’s behalf.
In this article, we’ll explain:
What a representative payee does
Who can become one
How to apply
What to expect after applying
Tools to help you manage benefits responsibly
1. What Does a Representative Payee Do?
If approved, you’ll be responsible for managing someone else’s benefits—usually for a child, adult with a disability, or older adult who can’t manage money on their own.
As a rep payee, you must:
Use the funds to pay for the beneficiary’s needs (housing, food, medical care, etc.)
Save any extra money in the beneficiary’s name
Keep records of how funds are spent
Complete annual SSA reports
You cannot use the money for yourself, charge a fee, or co-mingle funds—unless specifically authorized by SSA.
2. Who Can Apply?
Most rep payees are:
Parents or guardians of children with disabilities
Adult children or spouses of beneficiaries
Siblings, relatives, or close friends
Court-appointed guardians
Staff members at care facilities
Organizations or nonprofits
SSA prefers to appoint family members or close contacts first, but will assign an organizational payee if needed.
3. How to Apply
There is no online form—you must apply in person or by phone.
Here’s how to start:
✅ Step 1: Contact SSA
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
Or visit your local SSA office
Let them know you want to become the representative payee for someone you know.
✅ Step 2: Complete the Application
SSA will provide Form SSA-11 (Request to Be Selected as Payee). You’ll need to provide:
Info about the beneficiary
Your relationship to them
Why they need help managing money
How you plan to manage their funds
✅ Step 3: Provide ID and Documentation
Be ready to show:
Valid photo ID
Proof of relationship or guardianship (if applicable)
Bank account info (if benefits will be direct deposited)
In some cases, the SSA may also interview the beneficiary.
4. What Happens Next?
SSA will review your application and determine whether a rep payee is needed. If approved:
You’ll receive an official notice in the mail
SSA will start sending the person’s benefits to you
You’ll be responsible for managing and reporting how funds are used
SSA may follow up with periodic reviews or require you to complete a Representative Payee Report each year.
If not approved, SSA will let you know why and may assign another payee instead.
5. How Purple Helps You Succeed as a Rep Payee
Managing someone else’s benefits can be stressful—but Purple makes it easier.
With Purple, rep payees can:
Open separate, SSA-compliant accounts
Add notes and receipts to each transaction
Track multiple beneficiaries in one app
Separate backpay or dedicated funds
Set spending limits to avoid overspending
Get alerts for low balances or deposit timing
Export records for SSA reporting
Whether you’re helping a loved one or managing benefits for many people, Purple helps you stay compliant, organized, and in control.