If the savings are in a bank or other financial institution, contact the bank to learn if the savings still exist and to discuss how benefits can be returned to SSA for reissuance to the successor payee. After contacting the bank, notify the new payee by sending a notice (see NL 00703.354 -- Conserved Benefits - Entire Amount Paid to New Representative Payee or to the Beneficiary) of the amount of the conserved funds.

If the funds are not actually returned to SSA because the bank will not release the funds, document the file as to the reasons given by the bank and refer the case to regional programs staff for referral to the Office of General Counsel (OGC)..

Where the funds have been conserved in other forms (such as burial policies, mortgages on homes, common stock, etc.), contact the responsible party to find out how the title of the conservation can be changed so as to be available to the new payee when needed by the beneficiary. (The “responsible party” to be contacted may be the representative of the deceased payee's estate, the person issuing the policy or holding the mortgage, etc.). Notice and assistance to the new payee will be similar to that given where the savings are in a bank account.