§410.586 Use of benefits for beneficiary in institution.

Where a beneficiary is confined in a Federal, State, or private institution because of mental or physical incapacity, the relative or other person to whom payments are certified on behalf of the beneficiary shall give highest priority to expenditure of the payments for the current maintenance needs of the beneficiary, including the customary charges made by the institution (see §410.584) in providing care and maintenance. It is considered in the best interest of the beneficiary for the relative or other person to whom payments are certified on the beneficiary's behalf to allocate expenditure of the payments so certified in a manner which will facilitate the beneficiary's earliest possible rehabilitation or release from the institution or which otherwise will help him live as normal a life as practicable in the institutional environment.

[37 FR 20651, Sept. 30, 1972]