A story in THE STAR newspaper outlines the rules regarding the Social Security Administration and Representative Payees in the Social Security system. Under certain circumstances the ALJ or the Social Security Administration may determine you need a payee to receive your monthly benefit check and help to manage your money. You choose the person who helps you to manage your money. Usually, a trusted family member or friend is appointed by the Administration. In most cases where a rep payee is appointed, my client wins their case because of severe mental disability.

You can appoint such a person ahead of the decision in your case by going to ssa.gov/myaccount or calling the Administration directly. The Administration’s page on the subject goes into more detail: Social Security – Representative Payee Program (ssa.gov)

If you have filed for benefits or plan to file for benefits, call my office. We can guide you through the system and go to court with you to make sure you get the benefits you deserve. We help people in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, from our offices in Shreveport and Baton Rouge. Call us at 225-281-7715 to talk about your claim.