1. (1) Any individual or couple receiving both SSI and SSP benefits for whom the SSA has assigned a representative payee or for whom the recipient has voluntarily designated a representative payee shall retain the same federally appointed or voluntarily designated representative payee for purposes of their SSP benefits and such individual shall be deemed a designated representative with payee authority for New York State purposes.

2. (2) Any changes to SSA representative payees appointed or assigned at the Federal level must be processed through SSA.

   (b) SSP-only recipients.

   Individuals or couples receiving SSP-only benefits may request a designated representative and may grant authority for the designated representative to act as a payee, or to represent the SSP recipient at a fair hearing, or to assist in case management by providing and obtaining information about the case. A designated representative payee is required for a minor child, and for those individuals who have been found to lack capacity under article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law or where the need for a designated representative payee is deemed appropriate under procedures established by the office.

(a) SSI and SSP recipients.