UCP/Detroit can  be  appointed by SSA to receive Social Security and/or SSI benefits for someone who cannot manage or direct someone else to manage his or her money.

The main responsibilities of a payee are to use the benefits to pay for the current and foreseeable needs of the beneficiary and properly save any benefits not needed to meet current needs.  A payee must also keep records of expenses.  When SSA requests a report, a payee must provide an accounting to SSA of how benefits were used or saved A payee acts on behalf of the beneficiary. A payee is responsible for everything related to benefits that a capable beneficiary would do for himself or herself. SSA encourages payees to go beyond just managing finances and to be actively involved in the beneficiary’s life. The following lists the required duties of a payee.

Required Duties:

• 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 or savings bonds for the beneficiary's future needs;
• Report any changes or events which could affect the beneficiary’s eligibility for benefits or payment amount;
• Keep records of all payments received and how they are spent and/or saved;
• Provide benefit information to social service agencies or medical facilities that serve the beneficiary;
• Help the beneficiary get medical treatment when necessary;
• Notify SSA of any changes in your (the payee's) circumstances that would affect your performance or continuing as payee;
• Complete written reports accounting for the use of funds; and
• Return any payments to which the beneficiary is not entitled to SSA

For more information contact Leslynn R. Angel at (248) 557-5070