POA Pilot
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This guide summarizes what institutions and California law publish. Rules change and every family is different. Talk to a California-licensed attorney before signing or relying on a power of attorney.

Institutions › Social Security (SSA)

Social Security (SSA): using a power of attorney

Government benefits Last verified 2026-10-17

Do they accept a POA?

  • Verified No. SSA says having power of attorney (or being an authorized representative, or a joint bank account holder) is not the same as being a representative payee and does not give legal authority to negotiate and manage a beneficiary's Social Security or SSI benefits. official source ↗
  • Verified SSA states the Treasury Department does not recognize power of attorney for negotiating federal payments, including Social Security or SSI. If you hold a POA for a parent who can't manage their benefits, you must still apply to be their payee. official source ↗

Forms & documents

  • Verified Form SSA-11, 'Request to be selected as payee', plus documents proving your identity and your Social Security number. official source ↗

How to submit

  • Verified Contact the nearest Social Security office. SSA says you usually must complete the payee application face-to-face. Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. local time on business days); TTY 1-800-325-0778. official source ↗

Turnaround

  • Not published Not published on the payee FAQ.

If they refuse or stall

  • Verified A payee must keep records and may have to file an annual Representative Payee Report (spouses and some co-resident parents/guardians are exempt but must still keep records). For questions or problems, SSA points to 1-800-772-1213 or your local office. official source ↗