Why does the Federal Government (OPM, etc.) not accept a durable financial Power of Attorney?
Unfortunately the answer is because Federal law refuses to recognize durable financial Powers of Attorney. The Federal agencies claim that their Representative Payee requirements are better protection for their beneficiaries, though financial abuse also occurs in Representative Payee programs, so that claim may be dubious. There are ways to work successfully with Federal agencies on behalf of the person from whom one has a durable financial Power of Attorney. Your experienced elder law attorney can help you learn how to serve effectively as Financial Agent, even when Federal agencies are involved.