A pilot program began last summer in the Philadelphia region to check the backgrounds of individuals who want to be the representative payee for another’s Social Security benefits has lead to the rejection of 100 people from becoming a representative payee. The program is designed to prevent people who have been convicted of fraud and violent crimes from managing or rather mismanaging another person’s Social Security benefits.
The program was implemented after four mentally disabled adults were found in October 2011 locked inside the basement of a Philadelphia apartment building by a convicted murderer who was their representative payee for their Social Security benefits. Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey wants SSA to expand and improve the program. Each year, SSA has approximately 5.6 million representative payees who handle about $61 million in payments for approximately 7.6 million beneficiaries.
If you or someone you know has a representative payee who isn’t using your Social Security benefits for you and your needs, please contact your local Social Security office.
If you are filing for Social Security Disability benefits, you should contact our office so you have an experienced lawyer who knows the Social Security programs and works hard to make sure you get the benefits you deserve. Call us at 303-780-7329 or click HERE to arrange for your FREE CONSULTATION. We help disabled individuals all over the United States obtain the benefits they deserve.
