I would make the assumption that you've been approved and they've decided you need someone to handle the check. I received my backpay of almost $20,000 before my approval letter arrive a few weeks later. So, in my case the finances came way before approval letter.
As for having a payee, they can have it automatically deposited in their account. The check arrives the same date every month and they could set up an automatic transfer for the following day to your account.
Respectfully,
Trudi