R14

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High-Priority Return Code

This ACH return code indicates that a representative payee - someone authorized to receive and manage payments for minors, legally incapacitated adults, or other beneficiaries - has died or become unable to continue their responsibilities. Importantly, this code means the beneficiary themselves is still alive, but their designated representative can no longer act on their behalf.

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Error message: "The representative payee is a person either deceased or no longer able to continue in original capacity, while the beneficiary is not deceased."

What Causes ACH Return Code R14?

The R14 ACH return code means "Representative Payee Deceased or Unable to Continue in That Capacity" and indicates that the person authorized to manage ACH transactions for a beneficiary has died or become incapacitated. Representative payees are typically appointed for minors, legally incapacitated adults, or others who cannot manage their own financial affairs.

This situation is different from R15 (where the actual account holder dies) because with R14, the beneficiary is still alive but their legal representative can no longer fulfill their duties. This commonly occurs with Social Security payments, disability benefits, or other government assistance where a guardian or representative manages the finances.

Can You Retry R14 Payments?

You cannot retry R14 payments until a new representative payee has been officially designated for the beneficiary. The appointment of representative payees typically involves legal or governmental processes, so resolution may take time. You must wait for notification of the new representative and obtain their banking information before processing future payments.

Common Causes

Death of the appointed representative payee

Representative payee becomes legally incapacitated

Representative payee voluntarily resigns from their role

Court removes representative payee for cause

Administrative changes in guardianship arrangements

Key Information

Return timeframe: 2 banking days

Cannot retry until new representative is appointed

Beneficiary is still alive (unlike R15)

Requires legal/administrative process to resolve

Common with government benefits and Social Security payments

How to Respond to an R14 Code

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An R14 return requires patience and coordination with legal or governmental authorities since appointing new representative payees involves formal processes that can take considerable time.

When Your Customer's Payment Fails

Document the Situation
‍Record that the representative payee is deceased or incapacitated while the beneficiary remains alive.
Contact Relevant Authorities
‍If applicable, reach out to Social Security Administration, court systems, or other agencies managing the beneficiary.
Wait for New Representative Assignment
‍Allow time for legal processes to appoint a new representative payee for the beneficiary.
Update Records When Resolved
‍Once a new representative is appointed, obtain their information and process payments accordingly.

Email Template

Subject: Representative Payee Status Update Required

Dear [Beneficiary/Guardian/Family],

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We received notice that the representative payee for [Beneficiary Name]'s account is no longer able to continue in that capacity. We understand this may be due to death or incapacitation.

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We will need to suspend payments until a new representative payee is officially appointed. Please contact us once:

A new representative payee has been designated
You have the new banking information
All legal appointments are finalized

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We're here to help during this transition and will resume payments as soon as the new arrangements are in place.

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Sincerely,

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[Your Company Name]

When Your Payment to Vendors Fails

An R14 return on vendor payments indicates that the person authorized to receive payments on behalf of the vendor organization has died or become incapacitated. This may occur with sole proprietorships or businesses where a single person managed all financial affairs.