“This program has been able to provide the linkage needed to help its participants thrive. ”
The Stewpot’s Representative Payee Program provides free casework assistance to persons suffering from mental illness, chemical dependency, or physical disabilities, and who are unable to manage their federal benefits independently, including Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability.
The goal of this program is to prevent at risk persons from moving into homelessness and maintain independent living. The program achieves these goals by having the client meet once weekly with their caseworker to discuss needs. The caseworker is able to assist the client with a variety of needs such as finding affordable housing, assisting with medical care, and applying for additional benefits i.e. SNAP.
Both client and caseworker discuss and agree upon a monthly budget that the client must adhere to. The caseworker has the responsibility of assuring that all bills and debts (rent, utilities, medical) are paid in a timely manner. Clients also receive a weekly allowance for discretionary spending. Per the social security administration, persons are allowed to use funds for discretionary spending in any manner they please.
Individuals are referred to the program by a variety of sources. Mental health agencies and other social service agencies frequently refer clients to the program. The local social security office provides about one-third of new client referrals.
Currently, the Rep Payee program serves approximately 45 clients. Pre COVID-19, payee assistance was provided by two caseworkers and 3 volunteers. Approximately 90% of clients had regular scheduled visits with their caseworker once weekly with flexibility in scheduling based upon client’s need. During COVID-19, all volunteer opportunities have been suspended and clients are able to meet with a caseworker by appointment only on a bi-weekly schedule.
It has been important to keep the representative payee program active during this time to assure individuals continue to get the assistance they need. Many of the people served do not have support systems and a number of the resources previously available to clients are not as easily accessible at this time. This program has been able to provide the linkage needed to help its participants thrive.
Since the Representative Payee Program is a free service and provides a more case management approach, it is important that the client load reflect the ability to provide adequate service. In the future, we have a goal to be able to provide payee assistance to at least 60 individuals.
Courtney Ray Riddle, Manager of Client Services