TN 7 (02-24)

GN 03316.120 Disclosure Without Consent to Representative Payees

A. Disclosure Policy

1. Prospective representative payees

We may disclose relevant information about a beneficiary that a representative payee applicant needs to decide whether to serve as representative payee. The information should be limited to the following:

  • the beneficiary's or recipient's first and last name;

  • the reason that a representative payee is needed (i.e., the fact that the individual cannot manage their own finances); and

  • the type of benefit and amount received.

CAUTION: Do not disclose sensitive information, such as medical records.

NOTE: If the person is applying to become representative payee for a claimant not yet entitled to benefits, we may have to disclose additional information to develop the claim.

If you are uncertain about how much to disclose in a particular case, you may contact the Office of the General, Office of Privacy and Disclosure via the Regional Privacy Act Coordinator for guidance.

2. Current representative payees

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.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0203316120
GN 03316.120 - Disclosure Without Consent to Representative Payees - 02/15/2024
Batch run: 02/15/2024
Rev:02/15/2024