Representative Payee Program

Our Representative Payee Program

Who are Representative Payees?

A Representative Payee, also called a Rep Payee, is a person who acts as the receiver of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income for people who are not fully capable of managing their own benefits. We work to ensure that funds are being used correctly and in the best interest of the beneficiary. This new program provides vital accountability services to protect the rights of SSA recipients.

Our Review Authority

In March 2018, a bipartisan Social Security bill unanimously passed in Congress and was signed by the President on April 13, 2018. This bill created this program to monitor Social Security Administration SSA representative payees. This program requires the SSA to make grants to each state’s Protection and Advocacy System. As the Protection and Advocacy System for South Carolina, DRSC uses this grant to conduct reviews of representative payees under the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

SSA requires a representative payee to perform the following duties:

  • Manage funds so the beneficiary has no unmet needs. This includes
    • housing and utilities;
    • food;
    • medical and dental expenses;
    • personal care items;
    • clothing; and
    • rehabilitation expenses (if they have a disability).
  • Account for all funds received and spent;
  • Conserve any unspent funds appropriately; and
  • Comply with all accounting and reporting responsibilities
  • The SSA requires representative payees to keep records and, when asked, report how funds are spent on behalf of a beneficiary.

A majority of the representative payee reviews will be directly assigned to DRSC by SSA. DRSC will also select other representative payees to review at its discretion.

DRSC will conduct onsite reviews and educational visits at the direction of the Social Security Administration. The review includes:

  • an interview with the individual or organizational representative payee;
  • a review of the representative payee’s financial records including bank records, receipts, and invoices.
  • a home visit and interview for each beneficiary included in the review; and an interview with legal guardians and third parties, when applicable.

If DRSC has concerns that the representative payee is not fulfilling its duties, corrective action may be required. If corrective action is needed, either DRSC or the SSA will contact the representative payee to explain the findings and begin the corrective action. If the review finds no corrective action is needed, the representative payee will receive notice that the review is complete.

Representative Payee Review

How it Works

Unfortunately, Rep Payees can make a mistake or do something wrong. That’s where we come in. We can work with you to come up with solutions if you don’t think your Rep Payee is managing your money correctly. Check out this video to help understand our role and review process.

Training Video for Organizational Rep Payees

Report an Issue

If you or someone you support has been abused, neglected, or exploited, please click here for more information on reporting this abuse. If you or someone you support is in immediate danger, call 911.

Click the button below to report an issue related to a beneficiary or representative payee to P&A.

Not sure where to start? We have a few recommendations.

If you have questions, you’re always welcome to contact us directly. We also have a wealth of information on our site about being a strong self-advocate and knowing your rights.