Noteboom The Law Firm

Beware of a Representative Payee Mishandling Funds

Whether you receive Supplemental Security Income or disability payments, your condition might make it difficult to handle your own account. The Social Security Administration understands that, and has made it possible for you to have a representative payee. However, what happens when the person you thought you could trust to handle your account appears to be misusing your funds?

Depending on how close you are with your payee, this problem is likely difficult for you. Though losing a good relationship with a family member or friend is unfortunate, you do not deserve to be taken advantage of just because you qualify for government payments.

First, you should ascertain how exactly your money is being mishandled. Perhaps it is just a misunderstanding. According to The Akron Beacon Journal, the following are signs that your money is being handled wrong:

• Your payee pays his or her own bills with your money
• He or she spends your money on items for you that are not necessary for you to live, leaving you short on cash when it comes to paying for food, prescriptions, and shelter
• The payee takes out a service charge to pay for time spent handling your money, or demands payment
• He or she puts leftover money into a savings account other than your own
• The payee continues to receive and handle your money after you have requested that they not be the payee any longer

In most cases, it is quite clear when you are being defrauded of your money. Perhaps you know your monthly amount has not changed, yet you no longer have enough money to pay for necessities each month. Maybe you could have sworn there was money in your savings account, but it has disappeared.                                

If you do not want to confront the representative payee alone, you can speak to a lawyer to find out your options. No one deserves to be swindled out of money by someone they trusted.

If you, or your loved one, are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.