LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 200.07 Social Security Benefit Representative Payee
 
Policy Category:  Administrative
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated
Review and Approved by:  Compliance, Privacy, and Audit Services
 
Approved by Jonathan E Sherin, MD, PhD, Director on November 13, 2017
I.  POLICY STATEMENTS
 
The purpose of this policy is to:
  • Inform Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) employees regarding the Social Security's Representative Payment Program which provides financial management of the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for clients who are incapable of managing their benefit payments. 
  • Establish a policy that minimizes risks to DMH and clients.
  • Avoid potential conflicts of interest between direct services staff and clients.
II.  DEFINITIONS
 
Representative Payee: An organization or person who acts as a receiver of Social Security or SSI payments for individuals who are incapable of managing their own benefits.

Social Security Administration (SSA): A federal agency that assigns social security numbers; administers the retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs known as Social Security; and administers the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind, and disabled.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal income supplement program administered by the SSA to pay benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits are also payable to people age 65 or older without disabilities who meet financial limits.
 
III.  POLICY
 
DMH shall work with the SSA to link clients with representative payee programs to meet their financial needs.
 
IV.  PROCEDURES
 
V.  AUTHORITY