Representative Payee
Representative Payee Program
Through this program, we help ensure certain social security beneficiaries are protected from financial exploitation and other abuses, and ensure that funds are being used appropriately and in the best interest of the beneficiary.
To report an issue relating to a beneficiary or representative payee please use the "Report an Issue" button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, what are the responsibilities of a representative payee?
SSA requires a representative payee to perform the following duties:
- Manage funds so the beneficiary has no unmet needs;
- Account for all funds received and spent;
- Conserve any unspent funds appropriately; and
- Comply with all accounting and reporting responsibilities
The SSA requires representative payees to keep records and, when asked, report how funds are spent on behalf of a beneficiary.
For a more complete list of responsibilities, please visit the SSA Representative Payee program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Representative Payees webpage.
How are representative payees chosen for a review?
A majority of the representative payee reviews will be directly assigned to the DRC-NH by SSA. The DRC-NH can also nominate representative payees for review at its discretion.
What does a review include?
During a representative payee review, the DRC-NH will do the following:
- Interview the individual or organizational representative payee;
- Review the representative payee’s financial records for the requested beneficiary or beneficiaries;
- Conduct a home visit and interview with all included beneficiaries; and
- Interview any legal guardians or third parties, when applicable.
What types of financial documents will DRC review?
DRC-NH will review a wide range of financial documents, including a beneficiary budget and ledger, individual bank statements, receipts of income, expense documentation, etc. For a more complete list of financial documents, please visit the SSA Representative Payee program webpage.
What are the results of the review?
If DRC-NH has concerns that the representative payee is not fulfilling its duties, corrective action may be required. If corrective action is needed, either DRC-NH or the SSA will contact the representative payee to explain the findings and begin the corrective action. If the review finds no corrective action is needed, the representative payee will receive notice that the review is complete.
What if I have concerns about my representative payee?
If you have concerns about your representative payee, you can contact DRC-NH at (603) 228-0432 to learn more about your legal rights as a beneficiary. You can also visit the SSA webpage “When a Payee Manages Your Money”.
If You Need Help
Contact us if you have general questions about the Rep Payee Program, want to learn more about your legal rights as a beneficiary, or if you wish to speak with an attorney about a disability-related legal issue. If you have specific concerns about a representative payee or beneficiary please submit a “Report an Issue” form.