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

