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Representative Payee Program

The Representative Payee Program may be the answer, if you know someone who:

• forgets to pay rent or bills
• has difficulty writing checks
• needs help managing Social Security or other benefits

What is the Representative Payee Program?

The Representative Payee Program helps low-income persons with disabilities and/or the elderly manage their money.

Who is eligible?

Low-income persons with a disability or illness are invited to participate. Low-income individuals are those persons whose primary monthly income is one of the following benefits: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans, Civil Service, or Black Lung.

Why is the program important?

Through this program a person with a disability and/or who is elderly is helped to maintain independence and remain in their home as long as possible.

How does the program work?

A trained volunteer meets at least once a month with the person to assist in managing their money, paying bills, making purchases, and monitoring other needs.

What are some of the disabilities, illnesses, or problems the person might have?

• Arthritis
• Legal blindness
• Mental limitations or confusion
• Amputation
• Mental Illness
• Lack of family support
• Substance Abuse
• Other problems affecting one's ability to manage his/her finances.

Who operates the Program and trains the volunteers?

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services (DSS) works with an Advisory Board to operate, monitor and promote the Representative Payee Program. DSS screens and trains all Representative Payees.

The Advisory Board consists of representatives from agencies and organizations such as:

• Department of Social Services
• Department of Aging
• Health Department
• Commission on Disabilities
• Legal Aid Bureau
• Social Security Administration
• Faith Communities
• Local Banks

What participants say about the Representative Payee Program.

• "The bills are now paid on time and I no longer receive phone calls from creditors." - Mr. J.L.
• "My Representative Payee has become a trusted friend. I look forward to seeing her each month." - Ms. S.M.
• "'When my husband died I was lost; he had always managed our finances. Having a Representative Payee allows me to continue to live on my own home." - Mrs. D.W.
• "My disability makes it difficult for me to write checks. My volunteer has become a welcome set of hands." - Mr. C.K.

If you know anyone who might benefit from the Representative Payee Program, or who would like to volunteer to help, please call . . .

Baltimore County Department of Social Services
410-853-3024

Baltimore County Department of Aging
410-887-2594

Revised August 23, 2004