266.5—Order of preference in selecting a representative payee.
As a guide in selecting a representative payee, categories of preferred payees have been established. These preferences are flexible. The primary concern of the Board is to select the payee who will best serve the annuitant's interest. The preferences are:
(1)
A legal guardian, spouse, or other relative who has custody of the annuitant or who demonstrates strong concern for the personal welfare of the annuitant;
(2)
A friend who has custody of the annuitant or demonstrates strong concern for the personal welfare of the annuitant;
(4)
A private institution operated for profit and licensed under State law, which has custody of the annuitant; and
(5)
Persons other than those listed above who are qualified to carry out the responsibilities of a representative payee and who are able and willing to serve as a payee for an annuitant; e.g., members of community groups or organizations who volunteer to serve as representative payee for an annuitant.
(2)
A natural or adoptive parent who does not have custody of the annuitant, but is contributing toward the annuitant's support and is demonstrating strong concern for the annuitant's well-being;
(4)
A natural or adoptive parent who does not have custody of the annuitant and is not contributing toward his or her support but is demonstrating strong concern for the annuitant's well-being;
(5)
A relative who does not have custody of the annuitant but is contributing toward the annuitant's support and is demonstrating concern for the annuitant's well-being;
(6)
A relative or close friend who does not have custody of the annuitant but is demonstrating concern for the annuitant's well-being; and