When might representative payments be needed for SSD benefits?

On Behalf of | Feb 21, 2019 | Social Security Disability

Some New Jersey residents who are getting Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are suffering from issues that render them unable to handle their finances by themselves. They need others to assist them. This is when a representative payee can be of use. This has been discussed previously, but there are underlying aspects to the process of having a representative payee that should be understood by the applicant and his or her family members.

A basic concern is what information the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider when deciding if a disability recipient needs representative payments. The SSA will factor in court determinations, medical evidence and other evidence when it is relevant to the case. With court determinations, the SSA will use the revelation that a person getting SSD benefits is legally incompetent to make the decision to allow representative payments. For this to be done, there must be a certified copy of the decision from the court.

With medical evidence, the SSA will examine it to gauge whether the person can manage or oversee the management of the SSD benefits. If a physician or other treating medical professional conducts an examination, finds that the condition negatively effects the ability to handle the finances or direct the handling of the finances, he or she will provide a statement to that effect and the SSA can make the decision based on that. Other evidence can be provided from those who are close to the person whether it is friends, relatives or others who are aware of the illness or condition and how it hinders their ability to manage their finances.

Depending on the person’s situation, there are many ways the SSA can ensure that their benefits are handled appropriately and a representative payee is one that is frequently used when necessary. For those who are worried about a loved one’s capacity to adequately oversee their finances, a representative payee could be the wise step. Knowing how the SSA decides to allow such a payee is critical to a case. A law firm that specializes in Social Security disability and all its aspects can be of assistance in a case.

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