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[ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PROCESS:

7301 Volume III | Chapter 7

MISSISSIPPI PROTECTIVE AND VENDOR PAYMENTS]

Revised 08-01-06

Notice To Payee and Period of Service When it is apparent that a problem of money management exists, and a protective payment may be needed, the worker will talk this over with the payee, later confirming the discussion in a letter. The worker will continue intensive casework services for no less than 60 days. At the end of this period, if there appears to be no improvement, or if at a later time the improvement at first seen is not maintained, the eligibility worker will handle the case by establishing a protective payee with the approval of the county director. TYPES OF PAYMENT Provision has been made for two types of payment, as follows: Protective A protective payment, which is made to an individual designated by the Department who is not a member of the TANF family group but is interested in or concerned with the welfare of the family and who is capable of managing the funds available to the advantage of the family. Social services must be available to protect TANF recipients in cases in which the problems are manifestly beyond the ability of the protective payee to handle. Vendor A vendor payment, which is made to an individual providing food, shelter, or any budget item to a TANF family. Because only a percentage of the budgetary deficit can be met in TANF, this method is unusual. If some method of substitute payee must be used, the regional director will notify the Economic Assistance Policy Unit, giving the following information: 1. The nature of the problem of money mismanagement that exists. 2. The TANF benefits which are to be issued for the family. In return, the Economic Assistance Policy Unit will assist the county office in determining the method of payments.