How to become representative payee?

Wouldn’t it be easier if you were to be added to their existing accounts? You could request new debit cards for your parents and then decide on a spending limit by talking with them. You could even let them think that the spending limit is set at the bank. Plus you could pay all of their bills with Bill Pay. Then you would see their whole situation. That is if they want you to do all of this, in the first place.

The local SS office today told me that they won't let me a rep payee even if my parents walk in there and request one. I'd have to get a doctors note or something showing that they are bad at managing money, so I think what i'll do is open bank accounts online for them, have them log onto their SS online accounts and change their direct deposit, and give them prepaid debit cards. They'd have to call me and ask for money. If they're willing to do so, I think it could be a good system and I want to build a small savings for them so they can splurge some months. I can't have a big savings because of Medicaid, but I can maintain a savings of like $400.

I just went thru this process for my momma who is in
Memory Care. The community's Administrator and doctor had to write a note and answer questions about momma’s health and abilities as welll as my credibility. Since your parents are willing and able, take them with you to the SSI office and it’s a fast and easy process.

aj6044, you ask an interesting question -- I'd never heard of anyone becoming an SS representative payee just because "reasonably competent parents"... "spend a bit too much." I don't know if SS Admin. wants to increase its admin. costs for this type of situation, but I'm sure they'll tell you if you ask them. Here's what I found on an SS Q&A website: "What If SSA Believes That I Cannot Handle My Money? We will investigate your ability to manage your money. We will continue paying you directly until we finish the investigation and make a decision." and "Why Do I Have a Representative Payee? You have a payee because we have decided that you need help in managing your money. Usually your representative payee is someone who sees you often, knows you and your needs, and wants to help you." See these at www.ssa.gov/payee/faqbene.htm