When a family member or loved one can't manage their Social Security benefits on their own, someone else may need to step in. That person is called a representative payee—and the role comes with important responsibilities.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What a representative payee does
- Who can become a representative payee
- How to apply for the role
- Your responsibilities once appointed
1. What a Representative Payee Does
A representative payee is someone who receives Social Security or SSI benefits on behalf of another person—called the beneficiary—and uses those funds to meet their needs.
As a payee, you're responsible for:
- Receiving the beneficiary's monthly payments
- Using funds for their food, housing, clothing, and medical care
- Keeping records of how money is spent
- Reporting to the SSA when required
- Saving any leftover funds for the beneficiary's future needs
Important: Being a representative payee is a legal responsibility. You must use the funds only for the beneficiary's benefit—never for your own expenses.
2. Who Can Become a Representative Payee
The SSA prefers to appoint someone who knows the beneficiary well and can act in their best interest. This might include:
- A parent or guardian
- A spouse or close family member
- A friend who is involved in the person's care
- A social service agency or organization
In some cases, the SSA may appoint an organizational payee, such as a nursing home, group home, or nonprofit agency.
Who cannot be a payee:
- Someone with a felony conviction for certain crimes
- A person who previously misused benefits
- Anyone who owes money to the SSA
3. How to Apply
To become a representative payee, you'll need to apply through the Social Security Administration:
Step 1: Visit your local Social Security office with the beneficiary (if possible)
Step 2: Complete Form SSA-11 (Request to be Selected as Payee)
Step 3: Provide identification for yourself and the beneficiary
Step 4: Explain your relationship and why you're qualified to manage benefits
Step 5: Wait for SSA to review and approve your application
The process typically takes 2-4 weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on your situation.
4. Your Responsibilities Once Appointed
Once approved, you'll be responsible for:
Managing the funds:
- Deposit benefits into a properly titled account
- Pay for the beneficiary's current needs first
- Save any remaining funds for future needs
Keeping records:
- Track all income and spending
- Keep receipts for major purchases
- Document how every dollar is used
Reporting to SSA:
- Complete the annual Representative Payee Report (Form SSA-6230)
- Notify SSA of any changes (address, living situation, income)
5. How Purple Helps Rep Payees
Managing benefits for someone else can feel overwhelming. Purple makes it easier with tools designed for representative payees:
- Properly titled accounts that meet SSA requirements
- Spending categories to track where money goes
- Transaction history for easy reporting
- Alerts and notifications to stay on top of payments
- No monthly fees to eat into the beneficiary's funds
With Purple, you can manage your responsibilities confidently—and focus on what matters most: taking care of your loved one.