Social Security now offers beneficiaries the option to advance designate a representative payee. Advance Designation allows for an individual to designate up to 3 individuals who would serve as their representative payee if the situation arises where the individual could no longer manage his or her own money. Social Security states, “If you become unable to manage, or direct others to manage your benefits in the future, you will have peace of mind knowing that someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits for you.”
Advance Designation is not an appointment of a representative payee nor is it a power of attorney. It is optional for beneficiaries and they are able to update or withdraw their advance designation at any time. A Social Security beneficiary would identify up to 3 people, in priority order, whom they would like to serve as their potential representative payee. An individual can submit their advance designation request when applying for benefits or after already receiving benefits. There is an application available on each person’s My Social Security Account. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
The following people may choose an Advance Designation:
– Adults applying for benefits who do not have a representative payee
– Adults receiving Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments who do not have a representative payee
– Emancipated minors applying for benefits who do not have a representative payee
– Emancipated minor receiving Social Security benefits or SSI payments who do not have a representative payee.
To learn more about Advanced Designation, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.
