The protective payee is responsible to do the following:
Spend the assistance payment for the benefit of the budget group.
Work cooperatively with the County Assistance Office (CAO) to fulfill the role of protective payee.
Discuss the expenditures with the recipient before they are made.
Respect the rights of the recipient and understand the confidential nature of the CAO-recipient payee relationship.
Make any reports as required by the CAO. This is included to cover any special circumstances in which the payee would have to provide documentation to the caseworker regarding disbursement of the recipient's funds. The payee is not required to provide any reports or documentation not related to receiving and managing the assistance grant. The head of household remains responsible for reporting changes in income, resources, and other areas that affect eligibility or payment amount.
Sign an Agreement Protective Payee's Account (PA 50-P) available on Docushare. The CAO will retain the original in the case record and give copies to the protective payee and the recipient.
NOTE: The protective payee is not required to sign the Pennsylvania Application for Benefits (PA 600) or complete the Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR).
The obligation of the payee is to see that the assistance grant will be spent for the benefit of the family included in the payment and work cooperatively with the CAO in fulfilling this role. Responsibilities relate to making decisions regarding the expenditure of the assistance payment and being accountable for its use.
The head of household continues to be responsible for signing all documents related to receipt of benefits, including, but not limited to, the PA 600, Benefits Review (600R), Authorization for Release of Information (PA4), and the AMR.
NOTE: The protective payee is not required to pursue paternity or support.
Updated July 30, 2024, replacing October 12, 2018