If someone you care for is unable to manage their Social Security or SSI benefits on their own, you may need to become their representative payee. This role comes with important responsibilities, but the application process is straightforward once you know what to expect.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What a representative payee does
- Who can apply to be a representative payee
- How to apply step by step
- What happens after you apply
- Your responsibilities once approved
- How Purple supports representative payees
1. What Does a Representative Payee Do?
A representative payee is someone appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive and manage benefits on behalf of a person who cannot manage their own finances.
This might include:
- Children under 18
- Adults with disabilities
- Elderly individuals with cognitive decline
- Anyone SSA determines needs help managing their money
As a representative payee, you're responsible for:
- Receiving the beneficiary's monthly payments
- Using funds to pay for their food, housing, clothing, and medical care
- Saving any leftover funds for their future needs
- Keeping records of how money is spent
- Reporting to SSA annually
Important: Being a representative payee is a legal responsibility. The funds belong to the beneficiary, not to you, and must be used for their benefit.
2. Who Can Apply to Be a Representative Payee?
SSA prefers certain types of payees, typically in this order of preference:
- A spouse or parent who lives with the beneficiary
- A family member or close friend who shows strong concern
- A professional organization or social service agency
- A qualified organization that charges a fee (if approved by SSA)
You can apply to be a representative payee if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have no felony convictions related to fraud or theft
- Are not currently serving as payee for someone whose benefits were misused
- Can demonstrate you'll act in the beneficiary's best interest
3. How to Apply Step by Step
Here's how to apply to become a representative payee:
Step 1: Contact Social Security
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to start the process. You'll need to schedule an in-person interview.
Step 2: Complete Form SSA-11
You'll fill out Form SSA-11, "Request to be Selected as Payee." This form asks for:
- Your personal information
- Your relationship to the beneficiary
- Information about the beneficiary
- How you plan to manage their benefits
Step 3: Attend an Interview
SSA will interview you (and sometimes the beneficiary) to assess whether you're suitable for the role. Be prepared to explain:
- Why the person needs a payee
- Your relationship and involvement in their life
- How you'll use the funds for their care
Step 4: Provide Documentation
You may need to show:
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of your relationship to the beneficiary
- Evidence of your involvement in their care
Step 5: Undergo a Background Check
SSA conducts a criminal background check on all payee applicants. Certain convictions may disqualify you from serving as a payee.
4. What Happens After You Apply?
After your interview, SSA will review your application and make a decision. This process typically takes several weeks.
If approved:
- You'll receive an official notice from SSA
- Benefits will begin depositing into an account you set up
- You'll be responsible for annual reporting
If denied:
- SSA will explain why and may suggest alternatives
- You can appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error
Important: Until you're officially appointed, don't make financial decisions for the beneficiary or access their benefits.
5. Your Responsibilities Once Approved
Once you're a representative payee, SSA expects you to:
Manage funds responsibly Use benefits only for the beneficiary's current needs—housing, food, clothing, medical care, and personal items.
Save unused funds If benefits exceed monthly expenses, save the remainder in an interest-bearing account for the beneficiary.
Keep accurate records Track all spending with receipts and notes. You'll need this documentation for annual reports.
File annual reports SSA requires a Representative Payee Report (Form SSA-6230) each year, explaining how you used the beneficiary's funds.
Notify SSA of changes Report any changes in the beneficiary's living situation, income, or condition that might affect their benefits.
How Purple Supports Representative Payees
Purple is built with representative payees in mind. Our platform helps you manage benefits responsibly and stay organized.
Properly Titled Accounts
Automatic Deposit Tracking See exactly when benefits arrive and how much was deposited, with clear labels for SSI and SSDI payments.
Expense Tracking and Receipts Log spending, upload receipts, and add notes to make annual reporting simple and stress-free.
Companion AI Support Ask Purple Companion questions like:
- "What form do I need to file with SSA?"
- "How should I report the beneficiary's expenses?"
- "Can I use benefits to pay for transportation?"
Start Your Application Today
Becoming a representative payee is a meaningful way to help someone who needs support managing their benefits. With the right preparation and tools, you can fulfill this role with confidence.