June 2024 Spotlight on
Social Security Newsletter

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter brings you exciting news, work incentives information, success stories, and other valuable information for beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and their families and the professionals serving them.

In this issue:

Webinar - Social Security Representative Payee 101

Some people who receive SSDI or SSI may need help in managing their benefits. Join us this month to learn about the roles and responsibilities of the Social Security Representative Payee and learn if it is possible to become your own payee.

Title: Social Security Representative Payee Program 101
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom
Event Information: A Social Security representative will join us to give an overview of how the payee system helps individuals who receive SSDI or SSI in managing their money.

Have a question about this webinar? Submit your questions here.

Featured Spotlight Article - Making Social Security Work for You: Understanding the Representative Payee Program

Having a representative payee can make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities by ensuring that their Social Security benefits are managed responsibly.

What is a representative payee?

A representative payee is a person or organization appointed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), who can help you manage your SSDI or SSI payments. This appointed person receives your monthly Social Security payments and must use the money to pay for your expenses each month, including rent, utilities, telephone, food, clothing, transportation, medical care, education, etc.

Why would Social Security require me to have a representative payee?

Social Security may decide that you need help managing your money. The representative payee is appointed to ensure your benefits are used wisely for your care and welfare.

Who can be my representative payee?

You have the right to request that a specific individual, whom you trust, be your representative payee. Social Security tries to select someone who knows you and wants to help you. The payee should be someone who sees you often and whom you can easily contact should you need something. Sometimes social service agencies, residential facilities, or organizations can serve as a payee.

What if I don’t know someone who can be my representative payee?

If a trusted family member or friend are not able to serve as your representative payee, Social Security will try to appoint a qualified organization to help you.

Does the representative payee receive a fee for payee services?

Family and friends who act as your representative payee do not receive a fee for their services. However, if an organization is your representative payee, they can receive a fee approved by the SSA. The fee is automatically deducted from your monthly disability payment.

What are the responsibilities of my representative payee?

Your representative payee must use your benefits to pay for your needs, pay your bills and maybe help you save for the future. They must keep records on how the money is spent. They can also help you notify Social Security of any changes in your situation, for example if you get a job or stop working, how much money you earn, if you move or get married. Your payee’s main responsibility is ensuring your financial well-being.

What records should the representative payee keep?

Some common financial documents a representative payee may be asked to maintain and manage are:

  • A beneficiary budget.
  • Bank statements.
  • Receipts of income.
  • Cancelled checks.
  • Expense documentation; receipts, bills, rental agreements.
  • Other financial documents that pertain to an individuals SSDI or SSI benefits.
  • Sample Monthly Accounting Ledger.

What to do if you have a problem with your payee?

Your payee should show you how much money you receive from Social Security and how it is spent on your needs. If you can’t agree on how to spend your money, or you think that your payee is misusing your funds, you should contact your SSA office right away. Social Security will investigate the matter and determine whether your payments have been misused. Social Security may appoint you a new representative payee or make payments directly to you. They will take any necessary steps to recover your money.

Can I be my own payee?

You can apply to become your own payee.

  • Contact the SSA or visit your local office to ask about becoming your own payee.
  • Provide evidence that shows you can handle your own money.
  • The SSA may ask you about your ability to manage your benefits.
  • The SSA will review your case and notify you of a decision and next steps.

To show Social Security that you can be your own payee, you need to provide:

  • A statement from your medical doctor or psychologist stating that you can care for yourself and manage your own money.
  • If drugs and alcohol use are an issue, proof that you completed treatment and ongoing support or therapy.
  • An official court order stating that you can take care of yourself.
  • Letters from people who know you, such as family or close friends.

Where can I find more information?

Social Security Resources

Disability Rights California (DRC)

This Month’s DOR Work Incentive Planning Services Success Story

In this success spotlight, we share Darlene’s journey to employment. Darlene receives SSDI and relies on her monthly check of $2,202. Darlene faced the challenge of finding employment that accommodated her disability. She was hoping to ease back into the workforce after a hiatus since 2017. Darlene was referred to a DOR WIP because she was very concerned about losing her Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits. For fear of losing her In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) through her Medi-Cal, she had been hesitant to work. She was hoping to find a job that would allow her to maintain her benefits while testing her ability to work again.

Cris, a WIP at the DOR, met with Darlene to discuss her benefits, explore SSDI work incentives, Medicare continuation, and options for continued Medi-Cal coverage when she begins working. Cris explained the Social Security Ticket to Work rules that could help Darlene transition to work without losing her benefits right away, allowing her to test her ability to work. Cris also outlined a special Medi-Cal program that is designed for people with disabilities who work. Darlene was relieved to learn that the 250% Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program provides free Medi-Cal coverage, covering her monthly Medicare premiums and most out-of-pocket medical expenses. She had no idea that this program existed and was thrilled to learn that she could earn over $76,000 dollars a year and keep Medi-Cal coverage.

Darlene began working part-time as a Job Coach earning $25 per hour. Because she is an independent contractor, she is able to set her own schedule and the part-time hours were a good fit for her situation. She loved the idea of challenging herself and helping other people with disabilities be successful on the job. She is excited to be getting out of the house and at having some extra income for her family. After meeting with Cris, Darlene was able to confidently move forward and plan for the future with a clear understanding of how work would affect her benefits and healthcare.

You too can work with a WIP like Darlene!

  • Interested in learning about your disability benefits?
  • Are you ready to go to work?
  • Meeting with a WIP is a great way to get the facts about your Social Security Benefits.
  • Sound Interesting?

Talk to your DOR counselor to see if you are eligible for DOR WIP Services.

Not currently Receiving DOR Services?

If you are ready to start an exciting journey with DOR, please click here to Get Started. You will need to provide additional information about yourself to request services.

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