Custody - This refers to the authority over and care of the beneficiary. Incapable - Unable to manage or direct management of Social Security or SSI funds. When SSA finds someone is incapable, it means that they need a representative payee. Income - This is money or things the beneficiary receives. For SSI, it also includes earned and unearned income such as lottery winnings, inheritances, etc., as well as non-cash items received such as food, clothing or shelter.
Laws regarding emancipation vary from state to state.
Legal Guardian - Someone who has been appointed by a court of law to have responsibility for a minor or an adult who is incompetent to manage his or her own affairs. Some forms of legal guardianship refer only to responsibility for the financial affairs of the child or incompetent adult. The legal guardian can be the representative payee for a beneficiary or someone else can serve as representative payee. Legal Incompetence - A court's decision that an adult is unable to manage his or her affairs. Not everyone who has a representative payee is legally incompetent, but all beneficiaries who are found to be legally incompetent must have a representative payee.