| GMHC Representative Payee
Financial Management Program
What is the Representative Payee Financial Management Program?
The Representative Payee Financial Management Program was created
for people living with HIV/AIDS whose disability prevents them from
managing their finances and places them at risk of losing their
homes due to non-payment of rent. The Representative Payee Financial
Management Program is considered to be a substantial and much needed
intervention in the lives of clients who are clearly in need of
help because stable housing is an indispensable necessity for anyone
living with HIV/AIDS. Some clients initially feel that the structure
of the program limits their financial independence. Once they experience
the benefits of the program, they soon realize that having their
rent and other bills paid on time each month offers them a sense
of security that had previously been missing. Relieved of the risk
of losing their homes, they are now able to center their attention
on improving the quality of their lives.
The HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) refers clients to GMHC
for the Representative Payee Financial Management Program. GMHC
meets with the client to explain the program in detail. If the client
agrees to participate in the program, GMHC applies to the Social
Security Administration (SSA) to become the Representative Payee
for the client's monthly SSI/SSDI benefit checks. Upon receipt of
the client's monthly SSI/SSDI benefit checks, GMHC pays the client's
rent, phone and electric bills and then refunds the balance, to
be used for daily living expenses, to the client. GMHC will maintain
regular contact with each client to ensure that the client's financial
needs are being met.
Who is referred to GMHC for Representative Payee Financial
Management?
HASA refers clients who, for various reasons, have had difficulties
paying their rent and other bills to GMHC. Typically, these are
clients who have a history of incurring rent arrears and are at
risk of being evicted from their homes.
How long does it take to become enrolled?
The process usually takes 1 to 2 months. Since this does not happen
immediately, it is very important that you pay your share of the
rent, your phone bill and your electric bill each month until GMHC
starts receiving your monthly SSI/SSDI benefit checks. We will inform
you when we are approved and when we will start receiving your SSI/SSDI
checks.
What documents will I need?
Your HASA caseworker should provide you with a Financial Management
referral letter. Once you have received the referral letter, you
can call GMHC at 212/367-1315 or -1322 to schedule an appointment
to meet with an Advocate in the Client Advocacy Unit of GMHC. You
will need to bring the following documents to the meeting:
- the Financial Management referral letter;
- a phone bill;
- an electric bill; and
- the name and address of your landlord.
If you have a bank account, we will need the account and routing
numbers.
If you are not yet a registered GMHC client, you will also need
to bring a copy of an M11Q form or a diagnosis letter signed by
your doctor to become a GMHC client.
Once I am enrolled in the program, how long will it take
for GMHC to pay my monthly bills and to receive my refund?
Payment of your rent and other bills will usually take place around
the sixth day of each month unless there is a holiday involved.
A check for one half of your refund will be mailed to you. A check
for the second half of your refund will be mailed to you on the
15th of each month. If you do not have a bank account, we can assist
you with opening one.
Will enrollment in the program be permanent?
In order to be enrolled in the Representative Payee Financial Management
Program, the SSA requires that your physician or a psychiatrist
indicate, on a SSA physician's form, why you are unable to manage
your finances. In order for the SSA to consider removing you from
the program, a new physician's form will be required which must
indicate why you are now able to manage your finances. We recommend
that you discuss the decision to leave the program, in advance,
with your HASA case worker.
Will I be required to pay for the services?
No. GMHC recognizes the challenges of living on the limited income
provided by government entitlements. The Representative Payee Financial
Management Services are free of charge.
Who should I contact if I have any additional questions
or if I am already enrolled in the program and experiencing problems?
The Client Advocacy Unit at GMHC is available to assist
you. For more information, please call our Helpline: 212/367-1125,
Wednesday 2:00 to 5:30 pm. Walk-in services are available Monday
through Thursday, 10:00 am to 1 pm.
3/05
© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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