ARTICLE
QUESTION: As Representative Payee for many individuals we serve, our agency would like to know how other providers are handling income that is not social security (i.e. wages). Are these funds being placed in the same account(s) as the benefits, or are they separated and tracked/managed separately? As Representative Payee, do these agencies manage the other funds as they do the social security income? Our agency also acts as Representative Payee for many individuals we serve. We do mingle these monies in the same Representative Payee account, but do not require them to be utilized to meet basic needs, as they are earned monies and do not fall under the same guidelines as social security income. We encourage individuals to save the money for special activities or purchases. Some are able to save the money, whereas others spend it fairly quickly on items that they desire. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
Our agency also acts as Representative Payee for many individuals we serve. We do mingle these monies in the same Representative Payee account, but do not require them to be utilized to meet basic needs, as they are earned monies and do not fall under the same guidelines as social security income. We encourage individuals to save the money for special activities or purchases. Some are able to save the money, whereas others spend it fairly quickly on items that they desire.