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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Posts
    2

    Default Can a Representative Payee and Caregiver Apply Social Security Benefits to a Mortgage

    Hello,

    I am the legal guardian as well as the representative payee of my 12 y/o nephew who lives with me full time. As a Representative Payee, I know I can use my nephew's social security benefit to pay for his shelter, food, clothing, medical expenses, vacation, etc. Since he is living with me, can I allocate a portion of his social security benefit to help pay my mortgage and utilities? If so, what is an acceptable amount? I live in the Bay Area, and I'm thinking of allocating $400/mo to help pay my mortgage and utilities. Part of me feels like it's wrong of me to charge him for the cost of housing since I'm his legal guardian/uncle and should provide him free housing?

    Thanks,
    Chris

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    147

    Default Re: Can a Representative Payee and Caregiver Apply Social Security Benefits to a Mort

    I think what you are planning is not only correct but necessary.

    If he does not pay for his shelter, his check will be reduced. His check can be used to pay his share of mortgage and utilities and property tax and any required insurance. Figure out how many people live there and figure out his share.

    I believe for adults the maximum ssi is $880 per month in california. I am not sure what it is for children. The base amount is $735, and I don't know if the state supplement is added for children.

    If he gets less then maximum ssi, it could be that he is not paying his full share of shelter expenses.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Can a Representative Payee and Caregiver Apply Social Security Benefits to a Mort

    Thanks for the prompt reply, Kit. It's greatly appreciated! There are only 3 people living in my house -- me, my spouse, and my nephew who has his own room.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    147

    Default Re: Can a Representative Payee and Caregiver Apply Social Security Benefits to a Mort

    hope it goes great.

    I just realized the that info I gave you above was for SSI. If he is collecting survivors benefits, i don't think he is required to cover his rent, but it can't hurt to do it that way.

    For SSI, his share equals one third of everything above. ALSO one third of food. that is the easiest way to do it. the other way is to try to prove market value of the space, but that may or may not be accepted.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Can a Representative Payee and Caregiver Apply Social Security Benefits to a Mort

    I am in a similar situation, except it is my baby son who receives survivors benefits from his deceased mother. I also live in the bay area. I've been using his benefit to help pay for mortgage and property tax, since his mother and I lived together until she died and if she were alive today, she would be helping to pay for those things together with me anyway. And I understand that whatever is left when he turns 18 needs to be returned to social security anyway. I hope this is all ok to do.

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