Choose who could manage your benefits
Tell Social Security whom to consider first if you later need someone to manage your benefits. This is called advance designation. Social Security still decides whether to appoint a payee and evaluates the person when needed.
- 5 steps
- Official sources
- Checked October 15, 2026
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Choose up to three people
Think about whom you trust to handle benefit payments if needed. Social Security allows up to three advance designees. Ask each person whether they would be willing to be considered.
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Use your own Social Security account
Use the advance designation option in your my Social Security account. Social Security also accepts requests by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or through a local office.
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Check the names and contact details
Social Security asks for your designees' names and telephone numbers. Check them before submitting. Enter those details only through Social Security's own service, rather than into this guide.
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Tell the people you named
Explain that you have named them for Social Security to consider. Naming them does not appoint them or give them control of payments today. Tell your family where the confirmation is kept.
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Review your choices each year
Social Security sends a yearly notice listing your choices. Check the names and telephone numbers when it arrives. You can update or withdraw your designation if your wishes or circumstances change.
Good to know
Does naming someone appoint them?
No. Social Security considers the people you name first, then evaluates them if you need a representative payee. Advance designation records a preference.
Is this a power of attorney?
No. Social Security says advance designation is not power of attorney. Ask Social Security about benefit management and a lawyer in your state about legal documents.
Can I replace someone later?
Yes. You can update or withdraw your choices at any time. Use your own my Social Security account or contact Social Security directly.
Can I do this by phone?
Yes. Social Security accepts advance designation by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or through a local office. Keep any confirmation with your papers.
What we checked
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| While you are able, you can name up to three people Social Security would consider first to manage your benefits if you ever can't. This is called advance designation of a representative payee. | Social Security Administration | Oct 14, 2026 |
| You can make an advance designation in your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office. | Social Security Administration | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Advance designation records your choices but does not appoint a representative payee. | Social Security Administration | Oct 15, 2026 |
| You can update or withdraw your advance designation at any time. | Social Security Administration | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Social Security considers your advance designees first and evaluates their suitability if a payee is needed. | Social Security Administration | Oct 15, 2026 |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Plan Before You Die isn't connected with Medicare or the U.S. government. Something wrong here? Tell us.
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