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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Accessibility to the family Work closely with the recipient in matters concerning the daily needs of the BG. The protective payee must be geographically close or have transportation to maintain close contact with the recipient. Ability to establish and maintain a positive relationship with the family Inspire confidence to increase a recipient’s ability to manage household affairs adequately. The individual receiving the payment must offer help within the context of a positive relationship, one that motivates a desire for change and the acquisition of new skills. Good character and reliability Handle money vital to the BG’s well-being and deal with highly confidential family information. The protective payee must be responsible and dependable.

6. Notice Requirement for Protective Payee Protective payees will be selected by the recipient or with his/her consent to the extent possible. When a decision is made that payment must be made to a protective payee, the recipient must be notified in writing.

7. Opportunity for Fair Hearing A 10-day advance notice must be given before the form of payment is changed. The recipient must be given the opportunity for a fair hearing both on the determination that payment must be made as a protective payment and the selection of the protective payee.

8. DSS Personnel as Protective Payee If a DSS staff member is to be the protective payee, it is preferable that a person be chosen from the Child Welfare Services staff.

9. Exceptions A protective payee may be any person interested in the recipient's welfare except: A. The director of the county office

B. The CM/ES Worker responsible for the case

C. Any staff member handling fiscal processes related to the individual case

D. Landlords, grocers or other vendors of goods or services dealing directly with the recipient CAUTION: A protective payee may not be paid for his/her services or be included in the benefits.

10. Procedures for Assigning Protective Payees When it is determined that a protective payee is needed, the protective payee and ES Worker must complete and sign DSS Form 1220, Protective Payee Authorization/Agreement, and forward the document to the ES Worker’s Supervisor or appointee for approval.

CAUTION: The ES Worker must retain a copy of the DSS Form 1220 in the case file.