The process by which people in Kissimmee seek Social Security disability benefits can be daunting enough without having to account for the smaller, more in-depth issues that frequently arise and complicate the matter. One factor that is under discussion is how to handle people who need help from another person to handle their finances but are not able to find what is known as a “representative payee.”
A representative payee is a third party that takes responsibility for receiving the allocation of money for those who are not able to manage their financial circumstances by themselves. A recent report has shown that a number of people who are receiving SSD benefits and need this help are not receiving it.
There are around 16 million people who are getting SSD benefits and an estimated 3.5 million of them already have a representative payee to make certain that the funds are used properly. Even with that, the report states that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is lacking in a standard set of procedures when it comes to an assessment as to whether a recipient requires this type of help and if they are a candidate for it.
Because there is not a defined criteria for a representative payee, there is an inconsistency in how this is determined. Some instances were found in which a person was receiving SSD benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and had a representative payee for one but not both. Mistakes can be made on either side with people who are found incapable when they are actually capable, and vice versa.
The report says that the SSA should implement new procedures to help in this determination. Given the way in which such a change might affect those who are seeking and receiving benefits, it adds a new layer to the questions that those applying for SSD benefits, or those who are receiving them, might already have. Suffering a condition, injury or illness that makes it necessary to seek disability benefits is complex enough without clerical confusion. This is why it is key to have legal help from an experienced lawyer from start to finish.
Source: disabilityscoop.com, “Social Security Urged To Revamp Representative Payee Approach,” Shaun Heasley, March 22, 2016
