My mom's social security check is getting deposited directly into her checking account now, on which I am a signer. I am also her POA. Is there any reason I would ever need to be her representative payee? After doing some research into it, it sounds like a lot of hassle and a lot of responsibility and accountability is required. She is on Medicaid and doesn't have any money other that her social security check and a small annuity, both of which go to the nursing home to whom I write a check each month, and I already keep records of everything. I'm just unsure if it's actually necessary.
it also stated that you couldn’t be co owner on the account.
the Rep-Payee yearly report. (Maybe this applies to everyone?).
I was told by SSA that I needed to become the rep payee for my dad and he would not be allowed to have any of his money, ever. Nope, not doing that to someone that has a viewpoint about money like his. He would not have been allowed to spend his own money and that would have killed him.
I understand why they make things soooooooo difficult when dealing with the elderly, so many of them are exploited by their families and left to go without that it is important to make it hard for their money to be stolen. We have posters here that siblings are rep payee and they are not giving any money for the care of a parent or a small monthly amount.
It sounds like you have it set up to pay her expenses and be able to move her if needed, I would not change anything.
I agree that it is a pain to go through; they do a background search and demand yearly accounting. THAT SAID, you should, as her POA be doing a monthly accounting in ink in a ledger. You want to be ready for questions from ANYONE about how and why you manage your Mom's stuff.
You can fill out a form if your Mom can sign it knowingly, from Social Security Web site that is a "share information form". This doesn't require being a payee. I forget the number on the form.
When I had to do change of address for my brother I did it on vacation to him (he is out of my town) so he could answer questions as well as me being there. Otherwise it is difficult to do even that. They sure do not make it easy. You think POA or Trustee of Trust should do it, but you need different forms for IRS and different still for SS so is a pain in the neck. Wishing you luck.
They will also talk to you on the phone but it is for us a 55 minute wait while they tell us how many millions they serve (which is true enough). They were very nice when finally I could speak to them.
Thanks!