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Dear Colleague,

Each November, we observe National Family Caregivers Month. During this time, we recognize those who provide care to some of our most vulnerable citizens. This month also provides an opportunity to highlight the key ways we support caregivers through our representative payee program.

The representative payee program allows caregivers and third parties to manage the benefit payments of a beneficiary who is incapable of managing their own benefits. To support and empower caregivers:

1. We have eliminated the need to complete the annual Representative Payee report for the following types of caregivers:
1. Natural or adoptive parents of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child.
2. Legal guardians of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child.
3. Natural or adoptive parents of a disabled adult beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the beneficiary.
4. Spouse of a beneficiary.
2. For payees who are required to complete the annual Representative Payee report, we have made it much easier. Payees can use the Representative Payee portal, using their personal my Social Security account, to complete the report and manage other transactions on behalf of the beneficiary.

For more information, you and your clients can visit our Representative Payee webpage.

Please share this information with your members, colleagues, affiliates, and other interested parties.

Sincerely,

Dawn Bystry
Associate Commissioner
Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov