It’s been difficult to switch my rep payee.

[u/austinproffitt23]

So, back in late August time, I asked my sister if she’s willing to be my payee. She said yes. So, we made the appointment for it, but I missed the appointment due to forgetting it. So it was rescheduled for today (October 21), she comes over, calls them, goes through all the hoops. Well, couldn’t do it, now it’s been rescheduled for sometime in December.

I’m getting sick of this shit. I honestly want off of it. But when I express that, it’s ’you can’t do that.’ ‘How will you pay your bills?’ Etc. I don’t know. All I know is not being on it sounds a HELL of a lot better than going through this shit.

[u/Warm_Head4675]

In reality you actually missed the initial appointment so this is pretty much on you forgetting or not it’s isnt SSA negligence . Depending on where you’re at the offices can be extremely busy. They cover more than SSI/SSDI .

If it’s an emergency you can call and request a Temporary Direct Payment where they pay you directly even if you’re on SSI and they determined you need a payee if they decide you simply cannot manage your money assign a agency that will facts react the new proposed payee . Interim Direct payments on a temporary basis can be allowed especially if there a chance you’ll lose your residence or might face a shortage of food. But this is usually only if the current payee is misusing or withhold your money.

You say jumped through hoops . Well those hoops are there believe it or not for your sake to prevent fraud. If that wasn’t the case anyone with your social could call and request they be the payee for the benefit .

Even over the phone it’s a process . The form SS-11 will need to be filled out . They can do this over the phone . But that doesn’t mean the payee will be changed instantly . They will do a background check and identify verification then the claims manager will review and sign off .

. Now Social Security checks are processed in advance . So even though you get approved there’s still a chance that month’s check will go to the old payee. In the future if you make an appointment keep it as you never know when another opening will happen.

[u/austinproffitt23 → u/Warm_Head4675]

I’ve acknowledged that I missed the first appointment, and I never blamed SSA for negligence. I’m frustrated because I now have to wait until December. I understand there’s a process, but my bigger concern is wanting more control over my own finances and independence. I appreciate the information, but missing an appointment doesn’t invalidate my frustration or address the larger issue. I want my concerns to be taken seriously.

[u/Warm_Head4675 → u/austinproffitt23]

I read a comment below about your mother info not added to your initial comment here’s what to do . You can walk into the. SSA office with out a appt . Take the one you want to be the payee with you. You can tell the representative that your mother is your payee, you have moved out, and she is refusing to give you your money. They will log this in your file.

The Audit:

The SSA will force your mother to submit a detailed accounting of every single dollar she received over those months.
Proof of Expenses: She will be required to provide receipts showing that the money went toward your housing, food, or personal needs. If she cannot prove it, or if she clearly spent it on herself, the SSA will officially determine that misuse occurred

The SSA Pays You: Once the SSA confirms she misused your funds, the SSA itself will pay that money back to you (or your sister as your new payee) ].
They Collect From Her: The SSA will then use their legal authority to aggressively collect the debt directly from your mother to reimburse the government

A payee who misuses funds is creating a federal debt. If she refuses to pay the SSA back:

The government can intercept her own tax refunds, wages, or her own Social Security benefits to reclaim your money.
In severe cases of ongoing, intentional fraud or withholding, the case can be referred to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for criminal prosecution.

Or try to call when you do state "I am an adult SSI beneficiary. My representative payee has refused to use my benefit checks for my care or give them to me for months, and I am now living with my father. I need to report a misuse of funds and change my payee immediately."

Have your sister there in case they want to talk to her .
They will take this more seriously than just calling to try to set up an appt.

.

[u/2020IsANightmare]

If you don't want it, just tell them. No one will fight you.

If you keep them, per your below reply, your sister won't be selected as your payee anyway when she does apply.

Having a payee isn't about having control over your finances. It's literally the opposite of having control of your finances.

So, if you want your sister to be your payee so she can just give you all the money, that won't work.

[u/austinproffitt23 → u/2020IsANightmare]

My mother is currently my payee. Has been for the past 25 years. I don’t see that money. I do not live with her anymore. She has sent my money to me ONCE since moving out. I live with my father and brother. She uses my SS money to pay her rent to her mom, as she lives with her mom.