why can't i access social security online for another person if i am their power of attorney

by Dr. Gladyce Stracke 7 min read

The United States Treasury Department does not accept power of attorney for federal payments such as SS or SSI benefit checks. For this reason, the SSA requires that a representative payee be appointed for all matters concerning your retirement or disability benefits. What is a Representative Payee?

Full Answer

Can a person with power of attorney manage a parent’s Social Security?

Jul 01, 2021 · If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.”

How do I get a power of attorney for Social Security?

May 20, 2021 · We’re happy to help with any difficulties you’re having with your personal my Social Security account. For assistance, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Lines are open from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.

Can I block access to my social security information online?

Apr 07, 2022 · No. The Social Security Administration does not recognize power of attorney as conferring authority to manage another person’s benefits. Nor is it sufficient to have your name on your mother’s bank account or be her authorized representative. To manage a parent’s Social Security, you have to be appointed a representative payee by Social Security.

How do I get help with my social security account?

my Social Security | Representative Payee Portal. Still have questions? If you have questions or need help understanding how to check the status of your Social Security application online, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your Social Security office. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. …

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Can you call Social Security for someone else?

You can choose an attorney or other qualified individual to represent you. You can also have more than one representative. However, you can't have someone who, by law, can't act as a representative. Your representative can't be someone we previously suspended or disqualified from representing others.

Can a POA create a SSA account?

No. The Social Security Administration does not recognize power of attorney as conferring authority to manage another person's benefits. Nor is it sufficient to have your name on your mother's bank account or be her authorized representative.

How do I become someone's payee for Social Security?

Contact the Social Security office nearest you to apply to be a payee. You must complete form SSA-11 (Request to be selected as payee) and show us documents to prove your identity.

How do I open a representative payee account?

How Do I Apply to be a Representative Payee? You should contact the SSA office nearest you to apply to be a payee. You must then submit an application, form SSA-11 (Request to be selected as payee) and documents to prove your identity.

Can you change Social Security payee online?

CAN I CHANGE MY REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE? Yes, you can change your payee if you wish. If you decide to change your payee, you should notify SSA as soon as you make the decision. You will need to fill out an application form at your local Social Security office.

Who gets a deceased person's Social Security?

Your family members may receive survivors benefits if you die. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.

Who Cannot be a representative payee?

A representative payee applicant may not serve if he/she: (a) Has been convicted of a violation under section 208, 811 or 1632 of the Social Security Act. (b) Has been convicted of an offense resulting in imprisonment for more than 1 year.

What is a payee account?

Payee Account means an account or accounts (whether maintained with the Bank or with another financial institution recognised by the Bank for the purposes of the Services, or certain of them) in the name of the Payee to which the Customer may transfer funds by debiting an Originating Account.

Who is the owner of a representative payee account?

A representative payee bank account is an account used by an appointed person or organization to manage the finances of a Social Security beneficiary. Representative payees are chosen by the Social Security Administration to administer the account for a beneficiary—usually an older or disabled person.Feb 7, 2022

Can a rep payee have online access?

Individual payees who are 18 or older can complete it online by logging in to their my Social Security account.

How do I transfer my payee for SSI?

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits and have a payee, you can ask someone else to be your payee. You should tell your present payee that you plan to ask someone else to help you. The person you want to become your new payee must file an application at a Social Security office.

How can I remove myself as a representative payee?

If, for some reason, you wish to remove a representative payee, you must prove that you're mentally and physically able to manage the payments received. This requires filling out the appropriate forms and submitting your application. In some cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may interview the beneficiary.

You May Choose Somebody to Help You With

Completing forms;Going with you to your local Social Security office;Interpreting for you;Gathering and giving information;Taking you to medical ex...

If You Want Help With Your Claim, You May Appoint A Representative to Help You

Complete and file forms;Gather information and file it with us;Review your file and understand the law;Review your file and understand the law;Get...

How Do You Appoint A Representative?

You must sign a statement naming (or in other words "appointing") your representative. We have an "Appointment of Representative" form that you can...

If You Do Not Speak English Or Have Difficulty Speaking English

We will provide an interpreter, at no cost to you, if you ask for one or if you need language assistance.You may use a bilingual family member, fri...

If You Are Deaf Or Hard of Hearing

You may provide your own sign language interpreter, at no cost to us. If you prefer, we will provide you with a sign language interpreter, if neede...

If You Think You Can't Afford to Appoint A Representative

If you do not have a representative and we denied your case, we will give you a list of legal referral services, legal service organizations (for e...

What We Will Ask You About

To decide whether you can get SSI, we will ask you about:your income;the things you own (resources);your living arrangements (where you live, with...

How to contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA?

If you have questions about the SSDI application process or need professional guidance, then be sure to set up a free consultation with Social Security Disability Advocates USA by calling us at 602-952-3200 today or by using our online LiveChat feature. This is attorney advertising.

What happens if someone steals your social security number?

If your Social Security information has been compromised (such as if someone has stolen your identity), then you can block electronic access to your information online so that nobody can see or change your information online.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

It can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days for an application approval. It’s important that you check its status regularly so that you can supply additional information if something is missing that’s slowing down the process. You can check your status online by signing up to a My Social Security account.

Can I get a letter stating I have never received SSDI?

You can obtain a benefit verification letter stating that you’ve never received SSDI benefits, SSI benefits or Medicare, that you did receive benefits but aren’t currently receiving them, or that you applied but haven’t received an answer yet.

Can I apply for Social Security online?

Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although you can apply for SSDI benefits online, you can’t apply for SSI online. If you want to apply for SSI, you will need to schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office. The SSA is planning on making it possible to apply for SSI online in the next few years.

What is a power of attorney?

In very simple terms, a power of attorney is a legally binding document that allows you as the principal to appoint another person as your agent. Your agent then has the power to make decisions on your behalf. In your power of attorney, you can establish the extent of representation you wish to allow your agent to have.

Why is a power of attorney important?

Having a power of attorney drawn up is important for many people who are close to retirement age. If you are concerned about what will happen to your 401K or IRA annuities if you become incapacitated, a power of attorney will allow your loved ones to manage those financial matters.

What is a power of attorney?

The Power of Power of Attorney. Families use a variety of legal and financial techniques to take over household finances when loved ones with dementia can’t. The legal linchpin is durable power of attorney, which grants the designated person the authority to make legal and financial decisions for the person with dementia.

When did Social Security start?

Congress first authorized Social Security to deal with this problem in 1939, giving the agency authority to appoint what are called “representative payees” for beneficiaries incapable of managing the income; the payees are not government employees. (A 2004 law updated the program to better protect recipients.)

What happens if you don't qualify for Social Security?

If you do not qualify for Social Security payments, then you will need to ensure that you have sufficient income to support your lifestyle in retirement. 3. Certain Divorced Spouses. Divorced people can be entitled to half of an ex’s Social Security benefits.

Who is not eligible for Social Security?

Workers who have not accrued the requisite 40 credits (roughly 10 years of employment) are not eligible for Social Security. Those who did not pay Social Security taxes, including certain government employees and self-employed individuals, are not eligible for Social Security. American expatriates retiring in certain countries—and some retired ...

How much work is required to collect Social Security?

More specifically, in 2021, an individual receives one credit for each $1,470 in income, and they can earn a maximum of four credits per year. 1  So, 40 credits are roughly equal to 10 years of work . 2 

Who is Amy Fontinelle?

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience covering personal finance—insurance, home ownership, retirement planning, financial aid, budgeting, and credit cards—as well corporate finance and accounting, economics, and investing. In addition to Investopedia, she has written for Forbes Advisor, The Motley Fool, Credible, ...

What age can I start receiving Social Security?

The minimum age to start claiming Social Security retirement benefits is 62. If someone dies young, dependent children and spouses may be entitled to survivor benefits. At age 60, for example, widows and widowers can begin receiving Social Security benefits based on their deceased spouse's earnings record. 4  Terminally ill patients can apply for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), which means they will still receive some benefit from their contributions to the system. 5 

Do self employed people pay taxes?

Self-employed workers pay self-employment tax to cover both their own and the employer's portion of Social Security contributions. The tax is calculated and paid each year when these workers file their federal tax returns. 15 

Do all retirees get Social Security?

Almost all retirees in the United States do receive Social Security benefits when they stop working—assuming they've reached retirement age, of course. But those who have spent little time in the U.S. workforce, whether due to full-time homemaking or working abroad, may not qualify. Some government workers are also not eligible. With luck, though, some people who do not currently qualify can still find a way to do so.

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