When a loved one is showing signs of difficulty managing his or her own finances, Power of Attorney and court-ordered guardianship do not necessarily address all of the many items that need management such as income, savings, property, and government benefits. The Social Security Administration is not obligated to accept the Order of a State Court appointing a legal guardian (in Maryland, a Guardian of Person or Guardian of Property) when determining an appropriate Representative Payee to receive and apply Social Security Administration benefits on behalf of another person. This often leads to problems paying for the basic needs of a disabled adult.

Fortunately for adults who are still able to make decisions for themselves, the Social Security Administration does allow an advance designation of a Representative Payee. The advance designation request can be submitted to the Social Security Administration at the time an application for benefits is filed or at any time after benefits are being received. The request can be submitted by telephone, in person, in writing, or online through the Social Security Administration website.

For more information about making an advance designation of a trusted individual to manage your Social Security Administration benefits should the need arise, visit the Social Security Administration website here: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-10039.