Benefits & Elgibility
This federal program provides benefits based on disability and limited income.
What is SSI?
This is the first step when creating a client budget.
What is identifying income?
All financial assistance must be documented within this timeframe.
What is 24 hours (or your program’s standard)?
A rep payee is responsible for paying this first.
What are the client’s basic needs (housing, food, utilities)?
This housing type charges rent based on 30% of income.
What is subsidized housing?
This benefit is based on work history and disability status, not financial need.
What is SSDI?
This type of expense stays the same every month, like rent.
What are fixed expenses?
This phrase describes the connection between the client’s need, the intervention, and the goal.
What is the golden thread?
Rep payee disbursements should be based on this, not wants.
What are the client’s needs and budget?
This document is needed to calculate a client’s ability to pay rent.
What is income verification?
Clients must report these two changes to Social Security immediately to remain compliant.
What are income changes and changes in living situation?
A sudden, unexpected cost—like a car repair—is called this.
What is an emergency expense?
Financial case managers should avoid this type of dual relationship.
What is a conflict of interest?
This document outlines how funds are allocated monthly for clients with a payee.
What is a monthly budget or spending plan?
This one-time resource helps clients secure housing by covering deposits.
What is move-in assistance?
These two health coverage programs are most commonly tied to SSI and SSDI.
What are Medi-Cal/Medicaid (SSI) and Medicare (SSDI)?
This financial tool helps clients visualize how much they spend vs. earn.
What is a spending plan or budget worksheet?
All receipts for supportive funds or client purchases must be turned in by this deadline.
What is the program’s required timeline (often 48–72 hours)?
Money given to clients for personal use is called this.
What is personal allowance?
Before approving a hotel stay with housing funds, you must verify this.
What is the client’s immediate safety or lack of alternative shelter?
This waiver allows people with disabilities to receive services in community-based settings rather than institutions.
What is the HCBS Waiver?
The term for helping a client track spending for two weeks to identify patterns.
What is a spending log?
Accepting gifts from clients is discouraged for this reason.
What is maintaining boundaries or avoiding ethical conflicts?
Rep payees must complete this annual reporting document for Social Security.
What is the SSA Representative Payee Report?
This form is required for collaborative housing programs and ensures client consent.
What is a ROI (Release of Information)?