SCOPE contracts with the Trumbull County Department of Human Services in order to provide these services.

Representative Payee Program is a program the Social Security Administration originated by which clients can remain in an independent living arrangement by having their resources managed by another person or agency.

In the case of adults, a Social Security beneficiary in need of a representative payee may be receiving a Social Security check or an SSI check or both.  The guidelines for an adult to have a representative payee appointed are that they are unable to manage their finances due to severe physical or mental limitations.  Adults who receive SSI because of disabilities related to drug or alcohol addiction are required to have payees.

The Representative Payee Program can be especially effective in cases where the beneficiary has  a family member who is acting as the person's Power of Attorney.  In the eyes of Social Security, the Power of Attorney arrangement is not a satisfactory way to provide for management of a person's monthly benefits.  Social Security has its own provision for the responsibility and accountability of its representative payees.

SCOPE can only become a person's representative payee through referral by the Adult Protective Services department within the Trumbull County Department of Human Services.  However, interested persons are welcome to inquire about the program by calling SCOPE's Information & Referral department at 399-2639 or 299-8846.