What is a Representative Payee?
A Representative Payee is an organization or individual appointed by the Social Security Administration to receive the Social Security or SSI benefits for anyone who can’t manage or direct the management of his or her benefits due to mental illness, substance abuse, or other conditions that limit the beneficiary’s capacity. The payee is responsible for establishing a budget and disbursing funds to ensure all of the client’s current and future needs are met.
What is the current referral process?
All new referrals to CSA’s Payee program must be initiated by a case manager, family member or facility. Intake and applications are completed by phone and any necessary paperwork will be emailed or faxed for signature. Once the application is complete it is sent to Social Security for processing. Current approval times are running anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. If a benefit is currently in suspense Social Security will expedite the application.
How does CSA serve as Representative Payee?
As the Representative Payee, CSA has the following required responsibilities as outlined by the Social Security Administration:
- Determine the beneficiary’s needs and use his or her payments to meet those needs.
- Save any money left after meeting the beneficiary’s current needs in an interest-bearing account for client’s future needs.
- Report any changes or events which could affect the beneficiary’s eligibility for benefits or payment.
- Keep records of all payments received and how we spent and saved them.
- Provide benefit information to social service agencies or medical facilities that serve the beneficiary.
- Link beneficiary with outside agencies to provide any additional services needed.
- Complete written reports accounting for our use of funds.
- Return any payments to which the beneficiary is not entitled to the Social Security Administration.
How is my budget determined?
CSA will work with you to establish a budget that fits your needs. We will establish the budget to cover the following needs including but not limited to:
- Housing and Utilities
- Phone/Cable/Internet
- Food
- Medical, dental and prescription expenses
- Personal care items
- Clothing
- Personal Spending
- State of New Jersey Contribution to Care
Bills paid through our payee program are listed under the client’s name and sent to CSA for payment. All bills are paid on the 1st or 3rd of each month. Once your expenses are paid, the payee will disperse any remainder to the client for spending either weekly. bi-weekly or monthly. Additional funds can be requested on an as needed basis. The service is individualized to fit each client’s expenses and spending needs.
How Does the Representative Payee Program Work?
As your Representative Payee, we receive your monthly benefits directly from the Social Security Administration. Funds are deposited into an FDIC insured, interest bearing account. A budget is established to ensure all bills are paid as well as providing personal spending funds for the client. All recurring bills are paid on the 1st of each month and personal spending can be sent weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Other funds may be disbursed at any time on an as needed basis.
Is there a fee charged by the Representative Payee?
CSA is approved by the Social Security Administration to collect a fee of 10% of the monthly benefit up to $48.00 per month (2022 rate).