OASDI and SSI beneficiaries with a representative payee, 1981.

Generally, cash benefits under both the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are paid directly to the entitled person. The Social Security Act, however, also provides for the appointment of a representative payee to receive checks in behalf of the beneficiary when such action appears to be in the latter’s best interest. A payee is usually appointed for a person under age 18 on the grounds that a minor is incapable of managing finances. A payee may also be appointed for an older beneficiary, but only if evidence-medical or other-indicates physical or mental incapacity. The law requires that the payments to a disabled SSI recipient who has been medically determined to be an alcoholic or a drug addict be paid to a representative payee if a suitable payee can be found. This note presents data on selected characteristics of Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients under the representative payee program in 1981. The data were