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QUESTION: What is the policy of other agencies regarding individuals receiving services having ATM and Debit Cards for their checking and savings accounts? Would anyone be willing to share their policy? If our agency is payee, we do not permit the use of ATM or debit cards. If another person outside of the agency is payee, then the ISP must reflect this and our agency does not do anything regarding their finances. If the individual is their own payee, then the ISP would need to reflect this and we would assess our level of involvement and assess the level of risk. If the risk is too great, our agency would advocate to become payee. If the risk is low, then we would work out a plan with the team on how the finances will be handled and put a check and balance system in place. *** Our agency utilizes debit cards for groceries and spending money. The card is in the individual’s name and the agency name. Agency staff pick up the card weekly along with the weekly distribution paper indicating what amount is to be sued weekly, which the agency staff and individual sign upon receipt. Debit cards and receipts and signed paperwork are returned to the business office by Friday each week. These debit cards cannot be used at an ATM and balances cannot be requested using them. Our agency electronically deposits finds on the cards and reconciles them weekly, receiving statements monthly that are also reconciled. The debit cards have a daily limit. Individuals receive their planned weekly spending money cash when they do their grocery shopping and request cash back on the purchase. 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.
If our agency is payee, we do not permit the use of ATM or debit cards. If another person outside of the agency is payee, then the ISP must reflect this and our agency does not do anything regarding their finances. If the individual is their own payee, then the ISP would need to reflect this and we would assess our level of involvement and assess the level of risk. If the risk is too great, our agency would advocate to become payee. If the risk is low, then we would work out a plan with the team on how the finances will be handled and put a check and balance system in place.
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Our agency utilizes debit cards for groceries and spending money. The card is in the individual’s name and the agency name. Agency staff pick up the card weekly along with the weekly distribution paper indicating what amount is to be sued weekly, which the agency staff and individual sign upon receipt. Debit cards and receipts and signed paperwork are returned to the business office by Friday each week. These debit cards cannot be used at an ATM and balances cannot be requested using them. Our agency electronically deposits finds on the cards and reconciles them weekly, receiving statements monthly that are also reconciled. The debit cards have a daily limit. Individuals receive their planned weekly spending money cash when they do their grocery shopping and request cash back on the purchase.