Resolve any omissions or unacceptable responses to the accounting questions (items 7 through 10). Generally, if a payee does not have custody or it appears fraud may be involved, contact the payee directly to obtain the necessary information. If the representative payee is a public official appointed by the court or under local law, or has custody of the beneficiary, the questions can usually be resolved by mail or telephone contact.

NOTE: Where the payee is a court-appointed public trustee or guardian, a copy of the payee's report about the beneficiary filed with the court is acceptable in lieu of questions 7 through 10 if it contains the equivalent information.