Think you've got your estate planning docs covered?

Maybe not, if  you haven't covered a quirk in Social Security:  NONE of your standard powers of attorney will sway the Social Security Administration.  You need Social Security "Representative Payee(s)" signed up in advance of needing them.  

Whether you're responsible for your parents or eligible for benefits yourself, you're probably aware that Social Security fraud is big criminal business. They're honestly trying to protect the vulnerable so just get it on the Priorities list and DO IT.  

Even a long time financial planner like one of my most experienced Garrett colleagues got tripped up on this one: