TN 11 (01-24)
GN 00505.012 Payee Requested Because of Physical Disability - Foreign Claims
A representative payee can be designated to handle the funds of an individual who
is unable to handle the benefits due to them because of a physical disability. Every
legally competent beneficiary has the right to direct the use of their benefits and
to deprive an individual of this right is a serious matter.
From time to time, SSA receives requests for the appointment of a representative payee
because the beneficiary is unable to direct the use of their payments due to a physical
disability or because the beneficiary's physical disability prevents them from cashing
their checks. There is no prohibition in such cases against designating a representative
payee for the beneficiary if it is clearly established (a) that the beneficiary freely
agrees to this action and, (b) that the action is not merely for the convenience of
the beneficiary. Develop such requests in accordance with GN 00505.014 below. Each case must be evaluated on its own merit.