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If you have noticed signs that might make it difficult to continue controlling your finances, you may contact Social Security (either by phone at 1.800.772.1213 or go personally to your local field office) and request that one be appointed.

Before you contact Social Security:

  • Make a list of potential payees
  • Get approval from the people on your list

As long as your request meets the requirements for a payee listed in Representative Payees, you should have no trouble getting your recommendation appointed as Payee.

If you feel you have the need to have someone take care of your finances, consider appointing a Durable Power of Attorney or asking the court to appoint a Guardian, rather than requesting a Representative Payee.

NOTE: Social Security takes privacy considerations very seriously. A Representative Payee will have access to information about your Social Security benefits, and will be able to request changes and otherwise act as if she or he were you. Someone with power of attorney will not have that access unless you specifically request it in writing. Social Security does not recognize Power of Attorney for purposes of managing benefit payments.

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