I suspect a payee that recieves social security benefits for an old woman at church of stealing money. What can be done?

Question:  A woman I know from my church receives Social Security benefits, and a payee handles the money.  This woman does not appear to have access to her income, and I suspect that her payee may be taking the woman's money and spending it on himself.  What sort of action may I take?

Response:  Representative payees are required by law to use the benefits properly.  Benefits should first be used for the beneficiary's basic needs, such as food and shelter.  After that, they may be used for the beneficiary's personal needs, such as clothing and recreation.  Benefits can also be used for medical expenses or to pay for care in a residential institution.

If the representative payee uses the beneficiary's funds for the payee's own expenses, or spends the money in a way that leaves the beneficiary without money for housing, food, and medical care, they may be guilty of fraud, and should be reported to your local SSI Office or the Social Security Administration.  You may also want to get the advice of a Social Security attorney.

Answered by Jan Hill

Additional Resources:

• www.ssa.gov/oig/hotline
• www.socialsecurity.gov/payee

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