TN 6 (09-97)
GN 00505.014 Development to Establish Need for Representative Payee in Cases of Physical Disability
- Foreign Claims
Where an individual applies to be the representative payee of a beneficiary who is
physically, but not mentally, incapable of managing funds, the file must be documented
as follows:
-
A.
Secure the beneficiary's consent that the individual filing as representative payee
may receive and manage the funds for him/her. If the beneficiary is unable to sign
this consent statement, a Report of Contact is sufficient.
-
B.
The file must provide an explanation showing why the beneficiary is physically unable
to manage his own funds. This can be the beneficiary's description of his condition,
the consular representative's observations as to his condition, the statement of the
payee applicant, etc.
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C.
If readily available, secure a statement from a physician describing the beneficiary's
condition.
Example:
Banking practices in the village where a disability beneficiary resides require that
the beneficiary must appear in person at the bank to cash the monthly benefit checks.
There is no other way the beneficiary can cash the checks, and yet his physical condition
is such that it could endanger his health if he had to make monthly trips to the bank.
In this case, the circumstances would justify appointment of a representative payee
for the beneficiary. There must be a physical illness or impairment which prevents
the beneficiary from managing his own affairs and going to the bank every month.