AARP recruits members to be volunteers, provides insurance coverage of client funds, and provides program policies, procedures,and materials.

Who is eligible?
* Individuals must be determined eligible using the following guidelines: Annual incomes no greater than:
$20,069 for one person
$28,399 for couples
* Dollar limit on liquid assets for client is less than $30,000
* client is agreeable to assistance. < P> if a client falls under these guidelines, then money management is a free service. If a client is above these guidelines but still needs the service, we will do private pay money management.

Individuals may be referred to money management by social services agencies, family, friends or by self referral.

What will the Volunteer Money Manager Do?

* Bill payer volunteers assist individuals who are able to make decisions about their financial affairs but who need help organizing bills and paying them on time. The service provided by volunteers include recording typical monthly income and expenses, balancing checkbook, writing checks for client`s signature, reading mail, applying for benefits, and providing companionship for the client.

Representative payee volunteers are appointed by Social Security to receive and manage benefits of a person who is determined incapable of managing his or her own finances. In contrast to the bill payer program, the representative payee signs the checks and has full control of the benefits. They pay bills and make sure the client`s needs are being met. SSA appoints IVMMP as payee when no other family is willing or capable of becoming one.

Program Safeguards

* Insurance coverage of cient funds is provided by AARP
* Volunteers are carefully selected, trained, reference checked, criminal background checked, and provided on going support and supervision
* Volunteers only work from one designated account with a $3,500 dollar limit.
* Volunteer Activity and accounts are monitored every three months. ECCOA adheres to strict monitoring procedures to protect the client in losses that may result in unintentional or intentional misuse fo the client`s funds by the volunteer.

Reasons Persons May Need Money Management

* Physical or mental disabilities
* Bills are not being paid
* Client is unable to read or write
* Client is overwhelmed or nervous
* Loss of informal support or caregiver
* Financial exploitation or abuse
* Serious illness
* Self- neglect
* Threat of eviction
* Utilities shut-off

If you would like more information about this program or would like to make a referral, please contact: (217)347-5569 for Clay, Effingham and Fayette Counties; (618)533-4300 for Marion County; and (618)242-3505 for Jefferson County.