My mother is 81 and does not have her own checking account. Her SS checks are deposited into my bank account and strictly used for her expenses. Is this legal?

When I started acting as my LO's DPOA, I read up on the rules for Social Security. I saw on their website that in order to handle the funds of a Social security recipient, you are supposed to request to be appointed as the Payee Representative. Maybe, others here will be able to chime in. Maybe, if she requested that it be deposited into your account, it makes a difference. Still, if she needs to apply for any benefits down the road, it could complicate matters.

Are you the Representative Payee?