Code of Federal Regulations Title 20. Employees' Benefits § 20.266.5 Order of preference in selecting a representative payee

(1) A legal guardian, spouse, or other relative who has custody of the annuitant or who demonstrates strong concern for the personal welfare of the annuitant;

(2) A friend who has custody of the annuitant or demonstrates strong concern for the personal welfare of the annuitant;

(3) A public or nonprofit agency or institution having custody of the annuitant;

(4) A private institution operated for profit and licensed under State law, which has custody of the annuitant;  and

(5) Persons other than those listed above who are qualified to carry out the responsibilities of a representative payee and who are able and willing to serve as a payee for an annuitant;  e.g., members of community groups or organizations who volunteer to serve as representative payee for an annuitant.

(1) A natural or adoptive parent who has custody of the annuitant, or a legal guardian;

(2) A natural or adoptive parent who does not have custody of the annuitant, but is contributing toward the annuitant's support and is demonstrating strong concern for the annuitant's well-being;

(3) A relative or stepparent who has custody of the annuitant;

(4) A natural or adoptive parent who does not have custody of the annuitant and is not contributing toward his or her support but is demonstrating strong concern for the annuitant's well-being;

(5) A relative who does not have custody of the annuitant but is contributing toward the annuitant's support and is demonstrating concern for the annuitant's well-being;

(6) A relative or close friend who does not have custody of the annuitant but is demonstrating concern for the annuitant's well-being;  and

(7) An authorized social agency or custodial institution.