May I pay old bills of the person for whom I am receiving railroad retirement benefits?
Under the Railroad Retirement Act benefits you are receiving on behalf of another person generally may not be taken away from you by someone who is trying to collect old bills. This provision makes sure that the beneficiary will have his benefits available to pay his day-to-day expenses. Therefore, the benefits you are receiving on behalf of another person should not ordinarily be used to pay bills owed by that person before the first month for which railroad retirement benefits were payable to a representative payee. Railroad retirement benefits may, however, be used to make payments on the beneficiary's house and to pay his taxes and insurance premiums. If you feel that the beneficiary's daily needs are being fully met and payment of an old bill would be in his best interest, discuss the situation with representatives at the nearest RRB office before paying the bill.