1602. Beneficiary Under Age 18

1602.1 If a beneficiary is under age 18, is a representative payee necessary?

A beneficiary under age 18 is generally considered incapable of managing his or her own funds, and a representative payee is needed.

1602.2 When can direct payment be made to beneficiaries under age 18?

Payments may be made directly to a beneficiary under age 18 if:

1. The beneficiary is age 15 or over; and

2. It serves the beneficiary's best interests; and

3. The beneficiary does not have a legal guardian; and

4. The beneficiary is:

   1. Receiving disability insurance benefits on his or her own Social Security earnings record; or

   2. Serving in the military services; or

   3. Self-supporting and living alone; or

   4. A parent and files for his or her own or his or her child's benefits, and has experience in handling his or her own finances; or

   5. Capable of using the funds to provide for his or her own current needs and no qualified payee is available; or

   6. Within seven months of reaching age 18 and is initially filing an application for benefits.

Note: If a minor beneficiary has the status of an adult under State law, he or she may be paid directly.

Last Revised: Aug. 2, 2007