These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what they need
You can ask"Do you need help paying your bills with your check, or help talking to Social Security?"
You can say"There are different kinds of help. You stay in charge of choosing."
A representative payee gets the check and pays the person's rent, bills and needs. The payee must use the money only for the person.
An appointed representative helps with a claim or appeal. They do not handle the money.
2Find a payee
Organizations that serve as payee in our area:
SPIN (Supporting People In Need)
Case management and representative payee
575-590-6197
1620 E. Pine St. (main office), Silver City
The Ability Center for Independent Living (TACIL)
Independent living services and rep payee
575-526-5016
715 E Idaho Ave, Bldg 3E, Las Cruces · Weekdays; food pantry Mon-Thu (call first)
AAA Payee Resources Incnot yet confirmed: call first
Representative payee (money management) for Social Security benefits
575-993-5424
PO Box 13460, Las Cruces
Social Security Administration
Representative Payee Program: get, change or appeal a payee
800-772-1213
· Mon-Fri 8am-7pm (national line)
Bring
- Photo ID
- Social Security number
- latest award letter
3Change a payee or report a problem
They can ask Social Security for a new payee at any time.
You can ask"Is your payee giving you your money and paying your bills?"
If money is missing or being misused, report it.
Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General
Report payee misuse or Social Security fraud
A senior or disabled adult being taken advantage of can also be reported to Adult Protective Services.
NM Adult Protective Services - Silver City office
APS local office
575-534-0832 · 24/7:
866-654-3219
3082 32nd St Bypass, Suite B, Silver City
4Get help with a claim or appeal
SPIN helps with SSI and disability claims.
SPIN (Supporting People In Need)
Social Security disability representative (SSI/SSDI claims)
575-494-1128
1620 E. Pine St., Silver City
Social Security Administration - Las Cruces office (serves Grant County)
SSI, disability, retirement and replacement Social Security cards
866-563-9294
2141 Summit Ct., Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 9:00-4:00
U.S. House of Representatives - New Mexico 2nd District Office
Casework help with stuck federal cases (Social Security, VA, IRS)
575-323-6390
115 W. Griggs Ave., Las Cruces
5Keep the checks coming
At the Gospel MissionThey can get Social Security mail at the Mission for free: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
At the Gospel MissionOur case worker can help them call Social Security from the Mission.
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.