Hello, my mother is unable to manage her social security benefits due to a compulsive gambling problem that has gone on for more than 20 years. She has lost two homes, has filed for bankruptcy twice, and is currently living in subsidized senior housing. She has tried counseling and treatment and nothing has worked. She is in danger of being evicted from her apartment complex as her rent has been habitually late. My brother and I appealed to Social Security to allow us to become representative payees - they permitted it and then my mom found out and two weeks later she changed the payments back to herself. We have contacted Social Security again and they are telling us that they need a doctor's note, but what I don't understand (and what they are not helping us with) is what a doctor can and should so in a letter. My understanding is that healthcare privacy laws will prevent him from even talking to us.
So, in short, I am hoping someone has experience with becoming a representative payee for their parent's social security who is unable (for whatever reason) to manage their money. I understand that we have to use the money responsibly and pay her rent, bills, etc.
Thank you!