How To Choose A Representative Payee
A Beneficiary 18 Or Older Who Has A Substance Abuse Problem
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For an incapable beneficiary age 18 or over who has a substance abuse condition, the order of preference in selecting a Representative Payee is as follows:
- A community-based nonprofit social service agency licensed or bonded by the State;
- A Federal, State, or local government agency whose mission is to carry out income maintenance, social service, or health care-related activities;
- A State or local government agency with fiduciary responsibilities;
- A designee of an agency (other than of a federal agency) referred to above, if appropriate.
- A family member may be selected as Payee if the family member:
- Demonstrates strong concern;
- Is able and willing to exercise adequate supervision of the beneficiary's behavior; and
- Is actively involved in the beneficiary's treatment program.
- If none of the above preferred payees are available, a payee is selected from alternate sources in the following order of preference:
- A legal guardian who has custody or who demonstrates strong concern for the personal welfare of the beneficiary;
- A treatment provider;
- A relative or friend who has custody of the beneficiary. A friend in this context is an individual with longstanding ties to the beneficiary who demonstrates strong concern for the welfare of the beneficiary;
- A public or nonprofit agency or institution having custody of the beneficiary;
- A private institution, operated for profit and licensed under state law, that has custody of the beneficiary;
- People other than the above who are qualified to carry out the responsibilities of a payee for a beneficiary. For example, members of community groups or organizations who volunteer to serve as payee for a beneficiary; and
- A friend who shows strong concern for the personal welfare of the beneficiary.
NOTE: While substance abuse is no longer a disability for the purposes of becoming eligible for SSDI and SSI, Social Security will still apply the above order of preference for recipients with a recent history of substance addiction.
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