1. (a) Embezzling and Conversion Generally.—

   1. (1) In general.— It shall be unlawful for a representative payee to embezzle or in any manner convert all or any part of the amounts received from payments received as a representative payee to a use other than for the use and benefit of the minor or individual on whose behalf such payments were received.

   2. (2) Revocation.— If the Office determines that a representative payee has embezzled or converted payments as described in paragraph (1), the Office shall promptly—

      1. (A) revoke the certification for payment of benefits to the representative payee; and

      2. (B) certify payment—

         1. (i) to another representative payee; or
         2. (ii) if the interest of the individual under this title would be served thereby, to the individual.
2. (b) Penalty.— Any person who violates subsection (a)(1) shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.

(Added Pub. L. 116–126, § 2(b)(1), Mar. 18, 2020, 134 Stat. 174.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on Mar. 18, 2020, and applicable on and after the effective date of regulations promulgated under section 3(b)(1) of Pub. L. 116–126, see sections 4 and 3(b) of Pub. L. 116–126, set out respectively as an Effective Date of 2020 Amendment note and a Regulations note under section 8331 of this title.

Regulations

Regulations to carry out this section to be promulgated by Office of Personnel Management no later than 1 year after Mar. 18, 2020, with allowance for additional regulations relating to administration of representative payee program, see section 3(b) of Pub. L. 116–126, set out as a note under section 8331 of this title.