We may only disclose information to current representative payees that the individual
needs to perform the duties of representative payee (e.g., to receive and disburse
or conserve the beneficiary's Social Security benefits).
Do not disclose the address of a former representative payee nor information about
how a former representative payee used benefits to the current representative payee,
as the current representative payee does not need this information to perform their
duties. We determine whether the former representative payee used the benefits properly
and notify the new representative payee of any conserved funds.
REMINDER: If a representative payee is entitled to information in another capacity (e.g.,
as the beneficiary’s parent or legal guardian), the representative payee may receive
any information they are entitled to in that capacity. For more information on providing
access, see GN 03340.025 and GN 03340.030.
NOTE: You may contact a representative payee to obtain information when the representative
payee may have information relating to the beneficiary’s entitlement or eligibility
to benefits under a Social Security program. In this case, the representative payee
is the same as any other third party to whom we may disclose information for a program
purpose. For further information about disclosure to general third party contacts,
see GN 03316.065.