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[ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PROCESS:

7302 Volume III | Chapter 7

MISSISSIPPI SELECTION OF PROTECTIVE PAYEE If the decision of the staff is that the TANF benefit must be issued to a protective payee, they will then proceed to make the selection, if possible, based on the information in the record. Except in unusual situations, the selection of the protective payee must be discussed and made with the consent of the TANF payee. [ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION PROCESS: PROTECTIVE AND VENDOR PAYMENTS]

Revised 08-01-06

The worker must also explain to the parent or other grantee relative the meaning of the decision, the reason for it, and his right to a fair hearing if he disagrees with the decision. Follow the regular agency procedures in Chapter 13, Hearings, in requesting and handling a fair hearing. Individuals Barred From Serving The following individuals are barred from being designated protective payees: 1. The county director and the worker who determines financial eligibility for TANF. 2. A member of special investigative staff or staff handling fiscal processes related to the TANF benefit. 3. Landlords, grocers, or other vendors of goods and services dealing directly with the payee. Qualifications for Serving The individual selected as protective payee must have the following qualifications: ∙ An interest in and concern for the welfare of the TANF family; ∙ Sufficient time and energy above that necessary for the individual's own personal affairs in order to provide the services needed by the TANF family; ∙ Ability to help the family make proper use of the TANF benefit, based preferably on experience in planning and managing family finances on a limited income; ∙ Accessibility to the family;