Protective Payees-Guidelines

Created on: 
Jul 21 2017

Revised July 17, 2017

Guidelines

CSD Social Services Staff only assigns a Protective payee to a cash assistance client when the client:

  1. Has a history of mismanagement of funds. See WAC 388-460-0035 When is a protective payee assigned for mismanagement of funds? and Payees on Benefit Issuances - Protective Payees (EA-Z manual). 
  2. Is an unmarried pregnant or parenting minor receiving benefits for themselves and/or their child.  See WAC 388-460-0040 When is a protective payee assigned to TANF/SFA pregnant or parenting minors? and Payees on Benefit Issuances - Protective Payees (EA-Z manual).

Clarifying Information:

  1. Social Services Staff must follow the process for assigning a protective payee to individuals if there is evidence of the following:

    1. Repeated failure to meet obligations for rent, food and other essentials on behalf of themselves or a child in their care;
    2. Repeated requests for additional help because of an eviction or shut-off notice;
    3. A child is not being properly cared for;
    4. Mismanagement of funds due to misuse of alcohol or drugs;
    5. Use of EBT cash benefits at prohibited locations as determined by the Office of Fraud and Accountability two or more times.

  2. Social Services Staff will assign a protective payee only when other approaches to correct or address mismanagement of funds have been unsuccessful.

    1. EXCEPTION: When Social Services Staff receive notice from the Office of Fraud and Accountability (OFA) that a client has used their EBT cash benefits at prohibited locations two or more times, a protective payee must be assigned.

  3. Social Services Staff will not establish a protective payee when the cause of unpaid obligations is simply insufficient funds or a temporary lack of funds due to an emergency.

  4. Social Services Staff must assign a protective payee for minor parent cases unless the client:
    1. Is emancipated;
    2. Is married;
    3. Has turned eighteen years old