PM 16-05-05: Mismanagement - Other Than Substance Abuse (TANF, AABD, GA)

WAG 16-05-05.

Before establishing a protective payment plan for reasons other than substance abuse, evidence must exist that mismanagement or a school attendance problem has occurred. Evidence must be documented in the case record.

For TANF, evidence must include facts that show any of the following:

  • The client defaulted on a monthly utility payment agreement, as reported by Special Projects staff.
  • Money is spent in such a way that the child(ren) is not properly fed, housed, or clothed. For example, the cash benefits are spent to support a gambling problem which threatens the child(ren)'s chance for healthy growth and development.
  • A money management problem is determined by a community social service agency that works with the family and the agency requests a protective payment plan to stabilize the family and prevent homelessness.
  • The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) determined a child in the benefit unit was neglected.
  • The client was convicted of a criminal violation of the Public Aid Code.
  • The client received a notice of eviction or impending eviction for failure to pay rent.
  • The Protective Payee Service Unit received a referral from the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) for a client who is being evicted for failure to pay rent for 4 months.
  • A community agency working with the family notifies DHS that the family has not cooperated with the School Attendance Initiative or the family has failed appointments (see PM 03-22-00).

For AABD, evidence can include, but is not limited to facts that show any of the following:

  • The client demonstrated an inability to manage the SSI payment, as shown by the appointment of a representative payee by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Direct payment may only be made to such a client on the recommendation of the SSI representative payee. If Family Community Resource Center staff believe direct payment is not in the best interests of an AABD client whose SSI is paid direct to them, notify SSA.
  • Inability to plan expenditures over the period between receipt of income.
  • Persistent failure to meet financial obligations related to basic needs, i.e. paying rent.
  • The client defaulted on a monthly utility payment agreement, as reported by Special Projects staff.

For GA, evidence must include facts that show any of the following:

  • Inability to plan expenditures over the period between receipt of income.
  • Persistent failure to meet financial obligations related to basic needs, i.e. paying rent.
  • Money is spent in such a way that the child(ren) is not properly fed, housed, or clothed; threatening healthy growth and development.
  • The client demonstrates financial mismanagement to the extent that concern exists about whether they will use the cash benefits in the best interests of the family.
  • The client fails to meet an agreed upon plan for payment of a utility debt.
  • The client receives Transitional Assistance and has a court appointed conservator or guardian.