at The Arc of Somerset County PAYEESHIP PROGRAM at The Arc of Somerset County

What is the Payeeship Program The Payeeship Program at The Arc assists our consumers in managing and directing their benefits and acts in the best interest of each consumer.

Objectives of the Payeeship Program To maintain eligibility for Social Security benefits by managing accounts in accordance with Social Security regulations. To empower, involve and support consumers in the day-to-day management of their funds.

Eligibility to the Program Social Security determines eligibility to the program based on the need of the individual. A medical certification is usually required to ascertain the individual’s independence and ability to manage his/her Social Security benefits.

Use of Monthly Benefits Food, housing and utilities Medical, dental and rehabilitation expenses Clothing and personal care items. Recreation, vacations and camps. Savings in the form of burial trust (Choices) and Medicaid protected plan (NJ Plan).

Additional Benefits of the Payeeship Program • Access to their money when they need it • Access to their financial records anytime • Assurance that bills are paid on time • Opportunity to attend camps and classes • Opportunity to travel with guided tours • Security that assets are safeguarded • Security that loss of Medicaid Eligibility is avoided

Additional Benefits of the Payeeship Program • Timely and worry free completion and submission of reports to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid • Representation to Social Security for benefit eligibility redetermination. • Assistance in the submission of income and medical documentation as requirements for HUD rent recertification.

Additional Benefits of the Payeeship Program • Assistance in the payment of cost of care • Assistance in the preparation of taxes

The Rights of the Guardians of the Individuals Served in the Payeeship Program Guadians are entitled to full access to the account information at all times. Reimbursement for expenses Quarterly financial reports. Participation in planning for recreation, personal needs and future planning.

Limitations of the Payeeship Program Our payee ship program can only make reimbursements for receipted payments other than personal allowance advances Can not sign legal documents, other than Social Security documents, on behalf of a beneficiary.

What Payees Are Not Allowed to Do Have legal authority over earned income, pensions, or any income from sources other than Social Security or SSI. Use a beneficiary's money for the payee's personal expenses, or spend funds in a way that would leave the beneficiary without necessary items or services (housing, food, medical care). Put a beneficiary's Social Security or SSI funds in the payee’s or another person's account. Keep conserved funds once you are no longer the payee. Charge the beneficiary for services unless authorized by SSA to do so.