If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and you need someone to help you manage your money you can designate a representative payee. A representative payee is an individual chosen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) who will help you manage the disability payments you receive. Depending on each individual’s circumstance, the SSA may appoint a representative payee even if he or she does not request one. The SSA requires that all minor children and legally incompetent adults have a representative payee.

The representative payee performs a variety of functions for you in order to make sure that all of your affairs are in order. The payee will receive your monthly payments on your behalf and will allocate your benefits toward your expenses including housing, utilities, food, medical care and clothing. If any money is left over your payee will use this money to help you catch up on past-due bills or support your dependents. The payee is also responsible for keeping accurate records of your payments as well as how your money was spent and then report that information to the SSA.

The representative payee is usually someone you already know and that is willing to help you manage your affairs. This is done to ensure that you see the payee often and that they are aware of what your individual needs are. In some cases your payee may be your spouse. You can also have your disability lawyer or accountant act as your payee.

A Representative payee cannot collect a fee, unless he or she is an organizational employee who has been approved by the SSA to collect a fee. If you would like to become a representative payee for an individual receiving disability benefits, then you must submit form SSA-11 to your closest Social Security Office during a face-to-face interview.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that each state processes their own Social Security Disability applications. The SSA also requires that all states adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by congress when they perform the processing of Social Security Disability claims. Because of this, the rules that pertain when applying for disability benefits are not (for the most part) different from state to state. The determining criteria is the same regardless of which state you apply in.

Trisomy X Syndrome (also referred to as XXX Syndrome) is caused by a chromosomal anomaly created by an extra x chromosome in the cells of the body. This condition only affects women and only happens in about one in every thousand births. While most of the women who are born with XXX Syndrome display very few symptoms, some cases can be severe in nature and may prevent a woman from being able to perform gainful work activity. In these cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be needed in order to financially provide for the individual suffering from the affects of Trisomy X Syndrome.

Obesity is a growing concern in the United States, for both children and adults alike. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of the adult population currently suffers from Obesity. While the degree of Obesity varies from case to case, some of the individuals who suffer from the condition are unable to work because of it. Those who suffer from severe Obesity may not be able to leave the home or even get out of bed, let alone maintain the responsibilities of full-time employment. This can result in severe financial hardship and overwhelming emotional burdens. If you or someone you know is suffering from Obesity and is unable to work due to the condition, you may be interested in how Obesity is viewed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are wondering whether or not Obesity can qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help.

Obesity - Condition and Symptoms

It is important to understand that there is a difference between being overweight and being obese. Obesity is defined by an individual's BMI (body mass index). A BMI over 30.0 is considered to be obese. Even if you are overweight, if your BMI is below 30.0 you do not fall under the definition of an obese individual.

There are three different categories of Obesity. Individuals with a BMI of 30.0 to 34.9 are considered to suffer from Class I Obesity. Individuals with a BMI of 35.0 to 39.9 are considered to have Class II Obesity. A BMI of 40.0 falls into the category of Class III Obesity. The health risks associated with Obesity increase with each level. Obesity can lead to sleep apnea, heart disease, cancer, liver disease and other serious medical complications.

There are a variety of factors that can lead to Obesity and the causes of the condition are widely misunderstood. Many people assume that individuals who suffer from Obesity do so because of their eating habits. They believe that these people could “solve” their problem by eating less and exercising more. While this may be true in some cases, it is not always the situation. Other factors can play a role in Obesity, such as illness and genetics.

There is no overall “cure” for Obesity. The condition must be treated on a case-by-case basis and the reason for the Obesity must be determined in order for the condition to be treated properly. For example, a woman with PCOS may be suffering Obesity due to a case of insulin resistance. In this situation the doctor could prescribe a medication that would address the insulin resistance and the Obesity may resolve itself. Depending on the cause of the Obesity, the condition may be treated with medication, diet and exercise or, in extreme circumstances, surgery.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Obesity

There is no longer a listing for Obesity in the SSA's “Blue Book” of impairments. This was not always the case. Up until 1999 Obesity was listed as a disabling condition in the SSA's guidelines. That listing was deleted in 1999, however, and it is currently more complicated for individuals to receive Social Security Disability benefits due to Obesity.

If you suffer from Obesity along with an associated condition that is listed in the Social Security Blue Book, you may have an easier time qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits. For example, if you suffer from a cardiovascular or respiratory condition that is listed under the Social Security guidelines as a result of your Obesity, it may be easier for you to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits than it is for someone who only suffers from Obesity and other non-listed conditions.

Even if you do not suffer from a listed disabling condition, it does not mean that you will not be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. You may just have a harder time being approved for disability benefits and will likely need to take your disability case before an administrative law judge.

Obesity and Your Social Security Disability Case

If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to Obesity and you do not have a resulting condition that is listed in the SSA's guidelines, you will likely be denied at the initial stage of the Social Security Disability application process. The fact of the matter is that nearly 70 percent of initial applications are not approved by the SSA. In order to receive disability benefits you will need to move forward and file an appeal and have your case heard before an administrative law judge.

If you want the best chance of receiving a favorable decision in your disability claim, you will want to hire a Social Security Disability attorney. A qualified attorney can increase your chances of successfully filing a claim for disability benefits.

One in every 690 babies that are born in the United States are born with a form of Down syndrome. This condition can often prevents an individual from performing substantial gainful work activity and many individuals who live with Down syndrome are unable to provide for themselves. This may place a severe financial burden on the family of the disabled individual. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can help offset some of the financial difficulties caused by Down syndrome conditions.

Diabetes is a life-threatening condition that affects almost 30 million Americans, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) reported. The number of cases of diabetes has been rising steadily over the years, causing almost 70,000 deaths in 2010 and contributing to about 230,000 more.

The symptoms of Chronic Thrombocytopenia can be severe and may often prevent an individual from performing substantial gainful work activity. Unable to work, the individuals suffering from the condition can also face significant financial hardship. Without a means of income or medical insurance, the financial burden can be overwhelming. In some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can alleviate some of this financial stress caused by the condition.

Skin diseases are one of the most common types of disorders, with various conditions affecting 100 million Americans, according to the American Skin Association. Millions of those cases are chronic diseases, which means they’re long-term, recurrent, or possibly life-long conditions.

If you’ve has been affected by a long-term skin disease that’s interfering with your ability to work, there may be help. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support to those unable to work because of a disabling condition.