Elder Law Answers
Do I Have to Transfer My Mother's Guardianship If She Moves States?
I am the court-appointed guardian of my mother. This guardianship was created by the courts in Pennsylvania. To better car...
Read moreDo I Need to Report My Ward's Social Security Income?
- February 7th, 2023
Q
As an adult conservator, am I responsible for reporting my ward’s Social Security when the money goes directly to the nursing home? Is it counted on the Conservator Inventory and Asset Management Plan?
A
Yes, Social Security income should be included in your conservator account since this is money that belongs to your ward. This is despite the fact that the Social Security Administration will not honor your conservatorship appointment and require you to be appointed as representative payee in order to make any decisions about your ward’s Social Security payments. (We note that this is the general rule, and it’s possible that your state’s practice is different. A local elder law attorney or the probate court can confirm or correct this advice for your state. You can find an attorney in your area here.)