Can Social Security representative payee accounts receive VA benefits too?

Thank you! Did you have to notify the VA that you're the representative payee? I'm wondering if there's additional paperwork I need to complete with them.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I didn't realize the VA calls it a "fiduciary" program. That makes sense why I was getting conflicting information. I'll contact the VA about their fiduciary requirements. Do you know if the annual reporting requirements are similar to what Social Security requires?

The reporting requirements are similar but not identical. Both require you to track all expenses and be able to show the benefits were used for the beneficiary's needs. The VA fiduciary reporting is typically more detailed, and they may require copies of bank statements and receipts that SSA doesn't always request. The VA also conducts more frequent in-person visits to verify the beneficiary's living conditions, especially in the first year or two. I recommend keeping a separate ledger for VA versus SS funds just to make reporting easier.

It really depends on which VA regional office is handling the case. I've been a fiduciary for my mom for years with both benefits going to one account and never had issues. The key is keeping super detailed records of what money is used for what expenses. But if you're struggling with the VA office, separate accounts might be easier.

Thank you for that specific phone number! I've been bounced around between different VA departments. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they say about my situation. If I can't get through, I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service - waiting on hold for hours with a full-time job is nearly impossible.

I feel your pain! Been managing my dad's benefits for 3 years now and the bureaucracy is mind-numbing. What's worse is when one agency tells you to do something that contradicts what the other agency says. Then YOU'RE somehow the problem when things get messed up.

EXACTLY! And then when you call for clarification you get different answers depending on who you talk to. I've started writing down the name of every person I speak with and requesting written confirmations of anything they tell me to do. It's exhausting.

That's really good to know. He receives regular Social Security retirement, not SSI, so hopefully that simplifies things a bit. But I'll make sure to keep detailed records of both income sources just to be safe.

Until you do have a problem! They didn't question my recordkeeping for 3 years then suddenly decided my handwritten notes weren't enough and demanded bank statements for the past 36 months. Always keep EVERYTHING!

Welcome to the rep payee world! As someone who's been through the learning curve, I'd suggest starting with one account but being absolutely meticulous about record-keeping from day one. Use a spreadsheet or accounting software to track every transaction - date, amount, source (SS vs VA), and what it was spent on. Take photos of receipts and save everything digitally. If you find the VA is giving you grief about combined records later, you can always open a second account then. But starting organized with one account is usually easier than trying to merge two accounts' worth of records later. The most important thing is that you can clearly show where every dollar came from and where it went!

@Samantha Hall - I d'echo what Nathaniel said about starting with one account but being super organized. One thing I wish someone had told me early on is to set up a simple filing system right away - I use one folder for SSA documents and another for VA documents, plus a third for bank statements and receipts. Also, don t'be afraid to ask questions! Both agencies have customer service lines, and while the wait times can be brutal, getting clarification in writing even (if it s'just an email to yourself summarizing the call can) save you headaches later. The learning curve feels steep at first, but you ll'get the hang of it. Most importantly, you re'doing a wonderful thing for your mom - don t'let the bureaucracy discourage you from that!

@Samantha Hall - My advice as someone who s'been managing both types of benefits for several years: start with one account and excellent record-keeping habits from day one. I use a simple Excel spreadsheet with columns for date, amount, source SS/VA (,)category rent, (medical, food, etc. ,)and notes. I also scan/photograph every receipt and save them in folders on my computer organized by month and year. The one-account approach works well IF you re'disciplined about tracking everything. The benefit is simpler banking and fewer accounts to manage. However, if you re'not naturally organized or think you might get behind on record-keeping, then yes, separate accounts might be worth the extra hassle upfront. You know yourself best - trust your instincts on what system you ll'actually stick with long-term. The worst thing would be to choose a complex system that you abandon after a few months. Good luck, and don t'hesitate to reach out here if you run into issues!

@Samantha Hall - I m'also relatively new to this about (8 months in as rep payee for my grandfather ,)and I can tell you that starting with one account has worked well for me so far. The key really is being obsessive about documentation from the very beginning. I set up a simple system using Google Sheets that automatically calculates totals by benefit source, and I take a photo of every single receipt with my phone immediately after any purchase. One thing I learned the hard way is to always keep a small buffer in the account - don t'spend every penny right away. There have been a few times when benefit deposits were delayed or amounts were different than expected, and having that cushion prevented overdraft issues. Also, I d'recommend contacting both agencies SSA (and VA if applicable within) your first month to understand their specific reporting requirements and deadlines. Getting ahead of that paperwork cycle makes everything so much smoother. You ve'got this!

@Samantha Hall - As someone who just went through this exact situation 6 months ago, I d'strongly recommend starting with one account but investing in good record-keeping tools right from the start. I use a combination of a dedicated banking app that categorizes transactions and a simple notebook where I jot down the purpose of each expense immediately. One specific tip that has saved me tons of time: I created a standard shopping "list template" on my phone with categories like groceries, "medical," "household" "supplies, etc." When I m'out shopping with my dad s'money, I can quickly note which category each item falls into right at the store. This makes it so much easier when I m'doing the monthly reconciliation. Also, don t'feel like you have to figure everything out perfectly on day one. Both programs have some flexibility as long as you re'acting in good faith and keeping reasonable records. The people answering phones at both agencies have generally been pretty helpful when I ve'had questions. You re'already asking the right questions, so I think you ll'do great!

@Samantha Hall - I m'in a similar boat as a newer member here! Just became rep payee for my elderly aunt a few months ago. Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the VA fiduciary program being separate from Social Security s'rep payee system. One thing I ve'found really useful is setting up automatic email alerts from the bank account so I get notified immediately when deposits come in. That way I can quickly note which agency the payment came from and avoid any confusion later. I also started using a simple phone app to photograph receipts right at the point of purchase - it automatically sorts them by date which makes monthly reviews much easier. The advice about keeping a buffer in the account is spot on too. I learned that lesson when my aunt s'SS payment was delayed by a week due to some administrative issue. Having that extra cushion prevented a lot of stress! You re'asking all the right questions upfront, which puts you way ahead of where I was when I started. This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating all the bureaucratic maze.