Protective payments are made either directly to a provider or an alternate payee. Choose the method of protective payments that best meets the needs of the child(ren). Payment can be made directly to a provider of goods or services. The total amount for any month must not exceed the maximum amount of the Temporary Assistance grant for which the family is eligible.
Using an alternate payee means paying the Temporary Assistance grant to a relative or friend other than the caretaker. Use the following order of priority in selecting an alternate payee.
- A RELATIVE IN THE HOUSEHOLD approved by the caretaker and the caseworker/SSCM;
- A RELATIVE OUTSIDE THE HOUSEHOLD approved by the caretaker and the caseworker/SSCM;
- A FRIEND OF THE CARETAKER IN OR OUT OF THE HOUSEHOLD approved by the caretaker and the caseworker/SSCM;
- A RELATIVE IN THE HOUSEHOLD approved by the caseworker/SSCM but not the caretaker;
- A RELATIVE OUTSIDE THE HOUSEHOLD approved by the caseworker/SSCM but not the caretaker; or
- A FRIEND of the caretaker, in or out of the home, approved by the caseworker/SSCM but not the caretaker.
In selecting an alternate payee, consider:
- the person’s interest in and concern for the family;
- willingness to accept this responsibility;
- ability to handle his/her own finances;
- willingness to handle the Temporary Assistance family’s finances without charge; and
- frequency of contact with the family (either lives close by or visits frequently).
Carefully consider other factors that have a bearing on the ability of the person to serve as an alternate payee. The caseworker, other FSD employee, or a person not known to the caretaker should never be selected to serve as payee in these cases. Always consult the caretaker in selecting an alternate payee.
Inform the alternate payee that he/she is expected to discuss handling finances with the caseworker/SSCM at each reinvestigation, or at least once every six months. If the alternate payee wants to be relieved of the responsibility or if a major or continuing disagreement exists between the family and the alternate payee and the case is on protective payments because of benefit misuse, remove the case from the cash payroll. Handle as an order case until another alternate payee is found or until the family is given another chance to handle their benefits.
If a family must be sanctioned and, an alternate payee is not available, the caretaker remains the payee for the Temporary Assistance check for the remaining member(s) of the assistance group. Document efforts to locate an alternate payee.