Representative payee volunteers help to manage the incomes of elderly and disabled adults with limited incomes.
In 1989, the Maryland Department of Human Resources brought this program to Charles County with the help of local service agencies.
Today the Charles County Representative Payee Advisory Board administers the program with support from the community.
Each volunteer receives authority to direct the client's income into a specially designated representative payee bank account.
The volunteer then pays the client's bills and distributes spending money in accordance with an agreed upon financial plan.
Does anyone assist the volunteer?
Yes. The Rep Payee Advisory Board trains new volunteers in all aspects of the program before the volunteers meet the person they will be helping.
The Advisory Board's Site Coordinator reveiws volunteer's reports monthly and provides help whenever needed.
The client's case managere assists the volunteer in preparing the financial plan, and acts as a go-between for the volunteer and the client.
How much time will I need to spend on this?
Volunteers spend an average of 1-3 hours per month, primarily on paying bills and writing reports.
A volunteer creates peace of mind for his or her client.
The client knows:
* His money is safe.
* There will be enough in her account to pay the rent, and to buy food and medicine.
* The volunteer will get his spending money to him each month wihtout fail.
* She can continue to live as independently as possible.
How do I become a Volunteer Representative Payee?
For more information, call the Charles County Department of Social Services at 301-392-6724.