If you’re a representative payee for someone receiving SSI or SSDI, you’re responsible for managing their money — but you can’t just spend it on anything. This guide breaks down: What rep payee funds can be used for What’s not allowed How to prioritize spending What to do with leftover money How Purple helps track spending for SSA reporting 1. What Can Rep Payee Funds Be Used For? The SSA is clear: benefits must be spent in the best interest of the beneficiary. This usually

If you’ve been appointed as a representative payee by the Social Security Administration (SSA), your next step is critical: opening a dedicated rep payee bank account. In this post, we’ll break down how to do it in 2026 — step by step. ✅ What You’ll Need Before You Open the Account To open a compliant rep payee account, you’ll need: SSA Appointment Letter (your official notice that you’ve been approved as the payee) Social Security Number of both you and the beneficiary Proof

If you’re a representative payee for someone receiving SSI or SSDI, you’ve probably heard the term “rep payee account” — but what does it actually mean? In this guide, we’ll explain: What a representative payee account is Why Social Security requires one The difference between a rep payee account and a personal account What to look for in a rep payee bank account How Purple helps payees stay compliant and organized 1. What Is a Representative Payee Account? A rep payee accou

If you’re over 62 and living on Social Security, retirement income, or disability benefits, your banking needs look different. You need an account that’s simple, safe, and reliable — without fees, gimmicks, or tech headaches. So what’s the best bank account for seniors in 2026? We’ll walk you through what to look for — and why Purple was designed to meet the needs of older adults. 1. Accepts All Types of Social Security Deposits The #1 priority for most seniors? Making sure y

Banking looks very different when you’re over 62 and living on Social Security, retirement income, or fixed benefits. You’re not chasing points, juggling 5 cards, or setting up business transfers. You just want an account that’s safe, simple, and works for your life. So what really matters in a bank for older adults? Let’s break it down — and show how Purple is built for exactly this stage of life. 1. Easy, Reliable Direct Deposit for Benefits The first (and most important)

If you used the Charlie app for banking and direct deposit — and just learned they’re shutting down — you’re not alone. Thousands of people 62 and older are now asking the same question: Is it safe to switch banks right now? The answer is yes — as long as you do it the right way. Whether you’re receiving Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or retirement benefits, here’s how to switch to a new account safely and without risking delays. 1. Your Money Is Still Yours — Even If Charlie Is

If you’re over 62 and living on Social Security, SSI, or a fixed income, you need a bank account that works for you — not against you. And with the Charlie banking app shutting down, many older adults are looking for a new place to deposit benefits, pay bills, and manage money. But not all banks are built the same — and very few are designed with seniors or benefit recipients in mind. Here’s what to look for — and why Purple might be one of the best options available today.

If you were using the Charlie app to receive Social Security, SSI, or SSDI payments, you’ll need to act quickly to make sure your next deposit lands safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide to moving your direct deposit to a new account — including what to expect and how to avoid payment delays. 1. Choose a New Account That Works with Benefits Not every bank account is designed for government benefits like SSI or SSDI. Before you make the switch, choose an account that: Accepts SS

If you’ve been using the Charlie app — or are part of the group looking for a new banking solution after its shutdown — you’re probably wondering whether Purple is a smart replacement. In this post, we’ll break down how Purple compares to Charlie’s promise and what it brings to the table for seniors, Social Security, and SSI/SSDI recipients. ✅ What Purple Does Better Than Charlie • Built With Benefit Recipients in Mind Purple is designed for people on Social Security, SSI, SS

If you were using the Charlie app to manage your benefits, you’re probably now searching for the best debit card to replace it — one that supports SSI, SSDI, and Social Security payments, without the risk of losing benefits or hitting the asset limit. Here’s what to look for in a replacement — and which cards actually deliver. 1. What to Look for in an SSI/SSDI Debit Card Not every debit card is built with benefit recipients in mind. If you receive SSI or SSDI, your card shou

If you’ve been using the Charlie banking app to receive your Social Security, SSI, or SSDI benefits — it’s time to switch. With Charlie shutting down, you’ll need to update your direct deposit information to avoid any missed or delayed payments. This guide walks you through the exact steps to move your SSA payments to a new account. 1. Open a New Account That Supports SSA Direct Deposit Before you can switch your direct deposit, you need to open a new account. Make sure it: A

The Charlie app was designed to make banking easier for people 62 and older — especially those receiving Social Security, SSI, or retirement income. But with Charlie shutting down in 2025, many are now asking: Where should I direct deposit my benefits instead? In this guide, we’ll break down the best alternatives to Charlie for Social Security and SSI recipients, and what to look for in a new account. 1. What Made Charlie Popular for Retirees? Charlie offered a simple debit c

Charlie was designed as a banking app for people 62 and older — offering a debit card, budgeting tools, and easy direct deposit for Social Security and retirement benefits. But with Charlie shutting down in 2025, thousands of users are now looking for a replacement. In this article, we’ll cover: What to do if your Charlie account is closing What features to look for in a replacement The best Charlie banking alternatives in 2025 Why so many retirees and benefit recipients are

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be wondering how much money you’re allowed to earn from work without losing your benefits. The rules can feel confusing, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) does let you work — and even encourages it. This guide breaks down the basics so you know exactly what counts, what doesn’t, and how much income you can earn while keeping your benefits. We’ll cover: SSI income rules in simple terms How much you can make

If you’re on SSI, SSDI, or another form of disability support, owning a car is often essential — for getting to appointments, groceries, work, or just living independently. But many people are unsure about the rules: Can I buy a car while on disability? Will it affect my benefits? What if someone gifts me a car? This guide answers the most common questions about car ownership for people with disabilities and their families. We’ll cover: Can you own a car while on SSI or SSDI?

If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be wondering: Can I buy a car without losing my benefits? The short answer is: yes — in most cases, you can own a car while receiving SSI. But there are rules to be aware of, especially when it comes to asset limits and who uses the vehicle. This article covers: What the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows What counts toward the $2,000 asset limit How to handle buying or receiving a car as a gift What to

If your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment came earlier (or later) than expected this month, you’re not alone. SSI follows a predictable schedule — but holidays and weekends can shift things around. In this post, we’ll explain: The standard SSI deposit schedule Why your payment date may have changed What to expect next month How to get early access every month with Purple 1. The Usual SSI Deposit Schedule For most recipients, SSI is paid on the 1st of each month. But

If you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — or switching your payment method — setting up direct deposit is the safest, fastest way to get your monthly benefits. In this guide, we’ll show you: Why direct deposit is better than receiving checks What you need to set it up How to enroll in direct deposit with the SSA How Purple helps you get paid early and manage your benefits smarter 1. Why Set Up Direct Deposit? D

Noticed your SSDI payment arrived earlier than expected? You’re not alone — and it’s usually not a mistake. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) follows a predictable schedule, but certain factors like holidays, weekends, or bank policies can shift the deposit date. In some cases, you might even get paid several days early. In this post, we’ll cover: The SSDI payment schedule Why your deposit came early When early deposits are expected How to get early access every mon

If you rely on Social Security disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you know how important payday is. But what if you didn’t have to wait until the official date to access your money? With early direct deposit, it’s possible to get your SSI or SSDI payments up to 4 days ahead of schedule — depending on the provider you use. In this article, we’ll explain: What early direct deposit is How it works with government benefits Who qualifies for early deposit Why Purple may be the

If you need to switch the bank account where your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gets deposited each month, the process is now easier than ever — and faster too. You no longer have to visit your local Social Security office or wait 30 days to make the change. Thanks to a recent update from the Social Security Administration (SSA), most people can now change their direct deposit online, and it takes effect within 1 business day. This article covers: Why you might want to u

If your SSI payment didn’t show up in your account today, you’re not alone — and there’s usually a reason. While Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is sent on a regular schedule, bank delays, holidays, or SSA issues can sometimes hold things up. In this post, we’ll walk through: The official SSI deposit schedule Common reasons for delays What to do if your payment is missing How to avoid future delays with Purple 1. When Is SSI Supposed to Arrive? The Social Security Administ

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ve probably asked yourself: “What time will the money show up in my account?” The answer depends on three things: When the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends your payment How your bank or card provider processes deposits Whether you use an account like Purple that offers early access to benefits¹ In this article, we’ll break it all down. 1. What Time Does SSA Send the Deposit? The Social Security Administration do

If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through direct deposit, one of the biggest questions each month is: “When will the money actually land in my account?” While the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends payments on a predictable schedule, the exact timing can vary depending on your bank or card provider. In this guide, we’ll cover: The official SSI deposit schedule How banks and cards process SSI payments When Purple users typically receive their SSI W