The role of the representative payee (payee) is to receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income payments, or both on behalf of the beneficiary and use or conserve them for the beneficiary's current and foreseeable needs or benefit. You must explain the payee’s responsibilities and duties to the applicant. The payee responsibilities and duties are to:

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  meet with the beneficiary on a regular basis to ascertain their current and foreseeable needs;

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  use funds in the beneficiary's best interest;

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  conserve benefits not needed for the beneficiary's current needs;

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  keep detailed and accurate records of how the payee uses benefits in order to provide an accurate report to SSA when requested;

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  complete the accounting form online or return the completed form timely once a year;

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  report events that may affect the beneficiary's entitlement or amount of payment (including the beneficiary's death or incarceration);

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  report if you are unable to locate or contact the beneficiary;

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  cooperate with Title XVI eligibility redeterminations;

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  ensure that medical treatment is obtained for minor children receiving SSI disability payments;

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  report address and custody changes;

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  report any change in circumstances which would affect performance as payee;

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  return any benefits to which the beneficiary is not entitled;

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  act for the beneficiary on matters relating to the beneficiary's claim;

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  notify SSA if the beneficiary no longer needs a payee; and

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  return any conserved funds or unused benefits to SSA when payee services terminate.

Discuss with the payee applicant other ways a payee can help a beneficiary. The following is a list of other ways a payee can help a beneficiary:

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  establish a budget and involve the beneficiary as much as possible in financial decisions;

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  explain Social Security or SSI payments, and the beneficiary's expenses to the beneficiary;

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  ensure that the beneficiary is aware of current and large retroactive payments;

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  help the beneficiary find other services (e.g., food stamps, housing subsidies, medical treatment);

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  negotiate with the beneficiary’s landlords and creditors to get favorable terms, or to change the due date on bills to coincide with the availability of funds; and

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  recommend an alternate person or agency, if the payee can no longer serve as payee for the beneficiary.