TN 16 (11-24)
GN 00505.014 Development to Establish Need for Representative Payee in Cases of Physical Disability
- Foreign Claims
Where an individual applies to be the representative payee of a beneficiary who is
physically, but not mentally, incapable of managing funds, the file must be documented
as follows:
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Secure the beneficiary's consent that the individual filing as representative payee
may receive and manage the funds for them. If the beneficiary is unable to sign this
consent statement, a Report of Contact is sufficient.
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The file must provide an explanation showing why the beneficiary is physically unable
to manage their own funds. This can be the beneficiary's description of their condition,
the consular representative's observations as to their condition, the statement of
the payee applicant, etc.
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If readily available, secure a statement from a physician describing the beneficiary's
condition.
Example:
Banking practices in the village where a disability beneficiary resides require that
the beneficiary must appear in person at the bank to cash the monthly benefit checks.
There is no other way the beneficiary can cash the checks, and yet their physical
condition is such that it could endanger their health if they had to make monthly
trips to the bank. In this case, the circumstances would justify appointment of a
representative payee for the beneficiary. There must be a physical illness or impairment
which prevents the beneficiary from managing their own affairs and going to the bank
every month.