Can I redirect my sister's Social Security check to her nursing home as her POA? She's on Medicaid & non-mobile

Yes, the SSA will allow you to redirect your sister's benefits as her POA, but you need to follow specific steps. This is actually common for Medicaid nursing home residents - it's called the "Representative Payee" process. As her POA, you'll need to: 1. Complete form SSA-11 (Request to be Representative Payee) 2. Bring your POA documentation, your ID, and your sister's Social Security card if available 3. Explain that she's unable to manage her benefits due to her condition The nursing home should provide their payment information. They likely need this because Medicaid requires most of her income to go toward her care costs, with only a small personal needs allowance remaining for her.

When my father went into a nursing home last year, I had to do the EXACT same thing. It was a NIGHTMARE getting through to Social Security!!! I spent WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone. The rep payee form isn't difficult but you absolutely HAVE to talk to someone at SSA to process it correctly. The nursing home should be more helpful in explaining this - they deal with it all the time!!!

I work with families in similar situations frequently. To clarify some important points: 1. Having Power of Attorney is not the same as being a Representative Payee for Social Security purposes. Even with POA, you still need to apply to be the Rep Payee. 2. For Medicaid nursing home residents, most states require that the resident's income (minus a small personal needs allowance of $30-70 depending on your state) goes to the facility for their cost of care. 3. The Rep Payee application (SSA-11) needs to be submitted in person or through the mail with supporting documentation about your sister's incapacity. Don't wait on this - facilities can discharge residents for non-payment issues, even if they're on Medicaid.

my mom was in nursing home 4 years n i had same thing... they want the check cuz of the medicad spend down rules. u still can keep small amount for her personal stuff like maybe $50 or somthing. medicad rules not ss rules making this happen

When I went through this with my husband, I spent 4 days trying to reach someone at Social Security. After getting disconnected multiple times, I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an SSA agent in about 15 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I actually got through to Social Security, the process was straightforward. I submitted the Rep Payee application and provided documentation of my husband's condition. The SSA agent explained that even though I had POA, Social Security requires the separate Rep Payee designation for control of benefits. The nursing home got their direct deposit set up within about 2 weeks.

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, SSA has procedures for handling cases where the beneficiary can't appear in person due to medical reasons. You'll need to explain your sister's condition on the Rep Payee application. Bring medical documentation confirming her inability to manage her benefits or appear in person. And correct, Rep Payee status is entirely different from POA. POA is a legal designation under state law, while Rep Payee is specific to Social Security and gives you authority to receive and manage her benefits on her behalf.

hope you get this sorted out quick! my aunt's nursing home got really pushy about this too

Wait - has anyone mentioned that if you redirect the check to the nursing home, make absolutely SURE they're providing the personal allowance to your sister!!! My dad's facility was terrible about this and we had to fight to get his personal money for his basic needs! They acted like they were doing us a favor giving him HIS OWN MONEY!!!

Regarding ensuring your sister receives her personal needs allowance: The best practice is to have a written agreement with the facility about how they'll provide her personal allowance. Some facilities give residents a monthly check, others maintain an internal resident account where they credit the allowance amount. You should clarify: 1. How and when she'll receive her personal allowance 2. How she'll access those funds for personal items 3. What documentation you'll receive showing the proper allocation As her advocate, you have the right to request monthly statements showing how her Social Security payment was applied.

make sure u get everythin in writing!!! nursing homes mess up billing ALL THE TIME trust me