US SSA does not recognize POA

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SDianeL

Thank you for the information. It will help others.

H1235

I am wondering if this is something I should do to just be prepared. I really cant see any reason I would need to do anything for her regarding social security. It is direct deposit and I don’t plan to change banks. Any advice?

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tboard

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73615/us-ssa-does-not-recognize-poa

I had POA for both of my parents. I had to become their social security representative payee. That gave me permission to spend their money on their care. At the end of each year I had to submit a form that showed what the money was spent on. Go to SSA.gov and you will find info about how to become a social security payee. https://www.ssa.gov/payee/.

JulietteBee

I had to call them to report my mother's change of address. They told me they needed to speak with her. Fortunately, we were together. I put her on the phone. They asked her her name & SSN, then asked if she authorized me to speak to them. She said, "yes" and I gave them the information I CALLED to give them.

It was quite stupid, really, because we sound alike and I know her SSN. They would have had no way of knowing if I had stayed on the phone & gave them permission to speak to me.🤯

janeedee

This can be done online. Sign in or create the SS account and designate yourself as the representative payee. SS will send a letter addressed to the recipient notifying of the change, however my DH is no longer interested in the mail. I do hold a DPOA, so the change is within my authority.

tdroscha

I just found this out, as well, as my parents' checking account was hacked after someone stole some of my dad's checks. Bank closed the account, but it's the account all direct deposits/auto-pays were set for… SSA is a real issue, as Mom is in the late state of Alzheimer's - can't communicate or do anything but eat and sleep. Have an appointment w/SSA tomorrow to try to become Mom's representative payee.

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HollyBerry

One more thing for the to do list. Has anyone ever made a checklist for all the things we need to do before memory care, or before things get past a certain point?

Michele P

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/251150#Comment_251150

it would be extremely helpful is there was a link on this website with a checklist of everything that needs to be done throughout the process. The people here have that list and constantly repeat it to help others. When a loved one gets diagnosed, we are thrown into the ocean with no life jacket.

towhee

That is one reason the bank account where social security is deposited does not get closed unless absolutely necessary.

DonnaPJ

There are really good resources on the Alzheimer's Association site. This is one example. There are others.

alzheimers-dementia-planning-for-the-future-ts.pdf

dhemstock

My mom got a letter last week from SSA with my brother listed as the "Designee", but she has lived with me for almost 3 years now. That meant she also moved to a different state so she's already been updated with SSA with the new address. We had the Designee changed to me since I'm the one handling all of her paperwork, finances, etc., now.