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Need Legal Help for Your Business? Find It Here

When my husband I decided to start a business, we didn't think about the legal aspects of doing so. We didn't realize that purchasing business insurance, getting building permits and making investments all required some type of legal advice. But after speaking to a close friend, who also happens to own a small business, we contacted a business attorney. Now, we have the legal smarts to make the best decisions for our business, as well as the legal representation in case something happens to our company. I hope that you find my blog helpful and informative for your own business. It's a great resource for finding the legal advice, resources and guidance you need to get your company up and running.

Need Legal Help for Your Business? Find It Here

When Help Is Needed: Understanding The Role Of The Representative Payee

Ronnie Mills

Those unable to work at their job due to a medical or mental condition might be able to draw monthly Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial payment to those who have worked enough throughout the years and that have a condition considered serious enough. Not all of those who gain benefits are able to take care of the financial aspect of benefits, and that is where the representative payee comes in. Read on to learn more about the way this system works.

When Extra Support is Required

The need for more help with financial matters can be recognized by family members, friends, or the SSA. Anytime a Social Security recipient is unable to cope with a bank account and paying their bills, a representative payee can be appointed. For example, a representative payee might be needed to help:

  1. Those who are afflicted by addictions issues.
  2. Those who are mentally ill.
  3. Those who have physical mobility issues.
  4. Those who are afflicted with medical conditions that affect their cognitive abilities, like Alzheimer's disease.

What Tasks Does a Representative Payee Perform?

The monthly Social Security payment should be used to take care of the necessities of life and the way the money is used makes up most of the representative payee's duties. A representative payee helps ensure that the money goes toward important bills like housing, food, and medical needs and not for frivolous purposes. The representative payee should make meticulous records of all deposits and debits from the recipient's account and directs the payment of bills. Budgeting is another job of the representative payee and when funds remain after the bills are paid, the funds can be used for recreational or entertainment purposes.

Back Pay and Representative Payee

In many cases, Social Security recipients are entitled to back pay. This is the money that would have been paid to the recipient if their application has been approved in a more timely manner. It can be a large amount and is paid to the recipient in a single lump sum. The representative payee is required to open a separate account for the back pay funds and to use it for only certain purposes – all of which are meant to improve the living conditions of the recipient or for medical needs.

When a loved one in need is unable to care for their financial situation, you might need to take an intermediary step before Social Security benefits are granted. Speak to a Social Security disability lawyer about being supported at an appeal hearing.


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