Can a Social Security Representative Payee open an account for a beneficiary?

If you’re an eligible beneficiary with a Representative Payee, you can open an account for yourself. To have a Representative Payee open an account for you, they must meet the requirements of an Authorized Legal Representative (anyone who is selected by the eligible beneficiary with legal capacity, anyone who has Power of Attorney, a conservator or legal guardian, or a spouse, parent, sibling, or grandparent). Because the role of Representative Payee is specific and unique to Social Security, it doesn’t apply to ABLE plans without Limited Power of Attorney. Find out more about who can open an account.