WAC 388-460-0035 When is a protective payee assigned for mismanagement of funds?

1. The decision to assign a person to a protective payee because of mismanagement of funds must be based on law or with proof the client is unable to manage their cash benefits.  The proof must be current and show how this threatens the well being of a child or client on public assistance.  Examples of proof are:  

   1. Department employees or others observe that the client or client's children are hungry, ill, or not adequately clothed; 

   2. Repeated requests from the client for extra money for basic essentials such as food, utilities, clothing, and housing; 

   3. A series of evictions or utility shut off notices within the last twelve months; 

   4. Medical or psychological evaluations showing an inability to handle money; 

   5. Persons having had a chemical dependency assessment and who are participating in chemical dependency treatment; 

   6. Not paying an in- home child care provider for services when payment has been issued to the client by the department for that purpose; 

   7. A complaint from businesses showing a pattern of failure to pay bills or rent; 

   8. Notice from the office of fraud and accountability that a client illegally used a public assistance Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or cash obtained with an EBT two or more times. Illegal use includes infractions, felonies, or violations referenced in WAC 388-412-0046 or WAC 388-446-0020. 

2. A lack of money or a temporary shortage of money because of an emergency does not constitute mismanagement. 

3. When a client has a history of mismanaging money, benefits can be paid through a protective payee or directly to a vendor.