SSI Representative Payee 2026: Who Controls the Money and What Are the Rules?

A representative payee receives and manages Social Security or SSI payments for a beneficiary whom SSA determines needs help managing money. The payee does not own the benefits and cannot use them for personal purposes.

SSA chooses the payee

A private agreement or power of attorney does not automatically make someone an SSA representative payee. SSA investigates and appoints the person or organization it considers suitable, giving preference to someone who knows the beneficiary and will act in their interest.

How benefits must be used

The payee first pays for the beneficiary’s food, shelter, medical care, personal needs, and other current expenses. Remaining funds must be saved or invested for the beneficiary. Account titles should show the beneficiary owns the funds and the payee acts in a fiduciary role.

Records and reporting

• Keep statements, receipts, and an expense ledger.
• Report changes in residence, work, income, resources, custody, and eligibility.
• Return payments the beneficiary was not entitled to receive.
• Complete accounting reports when SSA requires them.

Large payments and children

Special rules can require a dedicated account for large SSI back payments to certain children. Dedicated-account funds have restricted uses related to the child’s impairment, and the payee must retain records. Ordinary monthly benefits should not be mixed improperly with the dedicated account.

Get the official instructions

Use SSA’s Guide for Representative Payees and payee FAQ. A beneficiary may ask SSA to change the payee or appeal a determination that a payee is needed.