Washington Department of Social and Health Services v. Guardianship Estate of Keffeler

February 25, 2003 Supreme Court decision No. 01-1420 in the case of Washington Department of Social and Health Services v. Guardianship Estate of Keffeler  Although Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits under Title XVI, are generally paid directly to the beneficiary, the Social Security Administration may distribute them to another individual or entity as the beneficiary's " 'representative payee.  Regulations provide, inter alia, that social service agencies and custodial institutions may serve as representative payees, but follow a parent, legal guardian, or relative . . .