The Processing Center (PC) or Field Office (FO) refers representative payee issues by memorandum to the appropriate component as noted in GN 00504.310C., in this section. The memorandum must identify the problem; cite POMS policy, and other pertinent references.

If pertinent information is in the folder, copy it and attach the copy to the memorandum. Send the folder only if you need the information in the folder to resolve the issue and it is too extensive or complicated to copy.

Refer the case based on the following reasons:

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  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notifies Social Security Administration (SSA) of representative payee misuse of Social Security benefits, which the PC and the FO cannot resolve. Refer to the Office of Income Security Programs/Office of Rep Payee and Due Process (OISP/ORPDP), Representative Payee Team, through the ARC, POS, RSI/SSI Programs Branch (for more information on how the VA identifies questionable use of benefits, see GN 00602.100).

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  An unusual situation warrants a deviation from existing policy or procedure, no applicable policy or procedure exists, or you cannot resolve a question under existing instructions. For more information, contact OISP’s ORPDP, Representative Payee Team, through the ARC, POS, RSI/SSI Programs Branch.

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  A State agency, court, or legal guardian continues to attempt to abridge the representative payee's discretion after the Chief Counsel of SSA’s authority advises them to review and supervise a representative payee's use of benefits. For more information, contact OISP’s ORPDP, Representative Payee Team, through the ARC, POS, RSI/SSI Programs Branch.

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  The former and successor representative payees are relatives and conflict develops regarding transfer of conserved funds, which might require assistance from a community agency. Refer questions to OISP’s ORPDP, Representative Payee Team, or refer to the regional instructions.