Guardianship Assistance and Alternatives Program (GAAP)
Money Management

Money Management

AARP Foundation Money Management Program

This program is designed to help low income disabled and/or elderly adults that are having difficulty maintaining their checkbook and paying their bills on time. This is accomplished by using screened VOLUNTEERS to serve as Bill Payers and Representative Payees. The Money Management Program is part of the AARP Foundation, AARP's affiliated charity and The Arc of Fort Bend County is the agency sponsoring the program in the Ft. Bend County area. All volunteers are trained and monitored. AARP offers limited insurance for the client funds handled by the volunteers.

Bill Payers

Meet with the client and help them balance their check book and set up a budget so their bills will be paid. The Bill Payer does not have check signing authority.

Representative Payees

Help the clients to manage the government benefit (Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement, Office of Personnel Management) they are receiving by developing a budget, balancing their check book and paying bills. The volunteer will have check signing authority.

Money Management Client Qualifications:

1. Be a resident of Ft. Bend County
2. Annual income can be no greater than $22,214 for single persons and $31,433 for couples. Liquid Assets (assets that can easily converted to cash) can't exceed $35,000
3. Be willing to accept a volunteers assistance
4. Be willing for a 3rd party to view your bank statements for the checking account the volunteer is helping you with
5. Client must be non-violent and non-abusive

For Bill Payer Assistance

1. Client should be capable of making decisions about financial affairs, but believe they need help to taking care of routine financial obligations like organizing and paying monthly bills
2. Client should be able to assist in developing a list of monthly income and expenses and will try to adhere to it
3. Client should be able to sign checks

For Representative Payee

1. Client needs to be willing to let the volunteer sign checks
2. Client needs to be supportive of The Arc of Fort Bend County being named as organizational representative payee

How to enroll a client

1. Print off and complete the Client Referral Form
2. Fax or mail the form to The Arc of Fort Bend County. Click here for contact information
3. Contact Kirk Monroe at The Arc at 281-494-5928 or by e-mail at kmonroe@arcoffortbend.org

MONEY MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed to serve as Bill Payers and Representative Payees. Here are the qualifications to be a volunteer:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Be able to make a one year commitment
3. Be able to visit with a client in their home 1-2 times a month
4. Complete a volunteer application
5. Be willing to submit to a criminal history check
6. No convictions involving theft, money, or crimes against another person*
7. Be willing to attend a volunteer orientation/training
8. Accuracy in maintaining financial records
9. Attend Volunteer Money Management Training

*NOTE:
The Arc of Fort Bend County has a volunteer screening policy in place. Please contact The Arc of Fort Bend County if you have any questions regarding this policy.