When the FO determines disbursement by installment payments is in the beneficiary's
best interest, make payments in even multiples of $100 in addition to the monthly
benefit. The period for installment payments should not exceed 18 months. However,
an exceptionally large accumulation may justify a longer period. Accumulated funds
may be withheld for a reasonable period; e.g., 3 to 6 months, pending observation
of the payee's handling of current monthly benefits, and then paid in a lump sum or
installments depending upon the demonstrated ability of the payee to manage the additional
amounts. You must set a diary to pay the funds (or develop for a new payee) at the
end of the observation period.
In cases where the FO or PC is on notice that the dollar amount previously determined
for the installments should be increased, document the beneficiary's needs and the
payee's ability to handle the added amounts and prepare a revised recommendation.
State the dollar amount to which the monthly installments should be increased or whether
the accrual should be paid in a lump sum.
NOTE: Repetitive payments of $10,000 or more cannot be made by the system. A manual action
is required for each month in which the installment payment (accrued benefits plus
regular monthly benefits) exceeds $9,999.99.