If my father is in very bad health and in my care, how can I open and manage his social security if the site says no one else can?

If: (a) the SS check is deposited directly to his checking or savings account and (b) if you're a joint signatory to that account, you already have access to the funds to pay insurance premiums.

If by insurance premiums you're referring to at least Medicare, that premium is automatically deducted from SS before it's wire transferred to his bank account.

However, you write that you need to open a new account. Is there some reason why you want to do that? To keep the SS funds separate from other accounts? If so, another option if (a) and (b) above are "yes", then you can open another account and move the other funds that aren't SS into that new account, and keep the remaining account only for SS.

The law is not my expertise, obviously, however... I would go in person to the SS office, and if possible, take all documents with you, brother's SS card, Identifications, if you can bring your brother along... not sure but they may require he sign something??? Or... call the SS office since you could not get very far online, saves you a trip.

Best Regards,

M88

If you go the Social Security website and look for Representative Payee, you should be able to get information on becoming the Representative Payee. It's when the recipient isn't able to handle their money by themselves. You are supposed to get that done in order to handle Social Security benefits for a loved one. They are pretty clear about that. Even if you have Power of Attorney, they still say you need to go through this procedure to handle that money. You have to keep records and answer to social security. Maybe others will chime in with their experiences.

See a lawyer and get the proper legal papers done.