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.