If you are a representative payee for someone who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you have a big responsibility. Your role is to manage the person’s benefits and ensure the money is used for their basic needs. But that is not all—you must also report certain changes to Social Security to make sure the person continues receiving the right amount of benefits. Failing to report these changes can lead to overpayments, penalties, or even legal trouble. Let’s go over the key updates you need to report.
What personal changes must be reported?
Some personal changes can directly affect a person’s SSI or SSDI benefits. If any of the following happen, you need to notify Social Security:
- Address change: If the beneficiary moves, even within the same city, Social Security needs the new address.
- Marriage or divorce: Getting married or divorced can impact SSI benefits, especially if the person’s spouse has income.
- Death of the beneficiary: If the person you are helping passes away, you must report it immediately to stop payments.
- Change in citizenship or immigration status: If the person becomes a U.S. citizen or has any changes to their immigration status, it must be reported.
- Change in household: If the beneficiary moves in with someone new, especially if that person provides financial support, it can affect SSI payments.
What financial changes should be reported?
Financial changes are one of the most critical updates to report. Since SSI benefits are based on financial need, any income or resource changes can affect payments. Even for SSDI recipients, certain financial changes matter. Here is what you need to report:
- Changes in income: If the beneficiary starts receiving money from a job, pension, or another source, Social Security needs to know.
- Increase or decrease in resources: If the person’s savings or assets exceed the SSI limit of $2,000 for individuals ($3,000 for couples), it must be reported.
- Help from family or friends: If someone else pays for the beneficiary’s food or rent, it could impact their SSI amount.
- Receipt of a large sum of money: If the beneficiary gets a financial windfall, such as an inheritance, lawsuit settlement, or lottery winnings, you must report it.
What medical and disability-related changes must be reported?
For those receiving SSDI or SSI due to a disability, certain medical updates must be shared with Social Security. These include:
- Improvement in medical condition: If the beneficiary’s health improves and they can work, it could affect disability benefits.
- Returning to work: Even if they are working part-time, Social Security needs to know. SSDI has work incentives, but earnings may impact payments.
- Approval for other disability benefits: If the person starts receiving other disability-related benefits (such as workers’ compensation), it must be reported.
What happens if you do not report changes?
Failing to report changes on time—within 10 days after the end of the month when the change happened—can have serious consequences:
- Overpayments: The government might overpay benefits, and you will have to pay the extra money back.
- Penalties: If you knowingly fail to report or provide false information, Social Security can reduce or stop benefits for months.
- Legal consequences: If the failure to report is intentional, there could be fines or even criminal charges.
How can you report changes to Social Security?
Reporting changes is easy, and there are several ways to do it:
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visit your local Social Security office and speak with a representative.
- Use your Social Security online account if the option is available.
- Send a written notice by mail with the details of the change.
Staying on top of these reporting requirements ensures that the person you represent continues to receive the right benefits and avoids any financial or legal problems.
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