This paper looks at SSA’s statutory authority, the selection process for payees, and the different responsibilities of payees in SSI and other SSA programs. It explores a growing movement to tailor support on a case-by-case basis and help recipients retain as much autonomy as possible.
The key shortcomings of the current payee process are inappropriate procedures for appointing payees, onerous requirements for payees, and inadequate monitoring by SSA. The Board believes there should be a shift from the current payee system to supported decision-making, which provides graduated assistance and encouragement of self-determination and independence. Supported decision-making does peel back an element of protection. The amount peeled back will depend on each person’s needs, skills, and learning process. This model will require shared responsibilities from other agencies and organizations as SSA does not have the resources or expertise to provide this kind of individual attention. It will also need a significant federal funding increase but this should not prevent its implementation.
The Statement is included in SSA’s 2016 Annual Report on the SSI Program. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 gives Board members the opportunity, individually or jointly, to include their views on SSI in SSA’s annual report to the President and Congress on the SSI program. The Board or one of its members has submitted a statement every year since 1998, except for 2024 due to the lack of a quorum.