WAG 16-05-03-a: Volunteer Protective Payee

To establish a protective payment plan with a volunteer protective payee:

  1. (FCRC) Explain to the protective payee the duties (see PM 16-05-11 and WAG 16-05-11).
  2. Revised TextTell the volunteer protective payee that they are required to have the customer's Cash benefits deposited directly into a bank, savings and loan or credit union account.

  3. (FCRC) Revised TextComplete the IL444-2391 - Protective Payment Plan Agreement:

    1. Provide a copy to the protective payee
  4. (FCRC) Send IL444-2392 - Notice to Client of Protective Payment Plan to customer when a decision is made to establish a protective payment plan (see WAG 16-05-00).
  5. (FCRC) Complete the top section of IL444-2493A - Authorization for Deposit of Cash Assistance - Protective Payee Cases NOTE: When a social service agency acts as the protective payee (PPSA cases only), enter the social service agency's name.
  6. (FCRC) Give IL444-2493A to the volunteer protective payee.
    1. (VOL PP) Completes Section A of IL444-2493A.
    2. (VOL PP) Decides whether to:
      1. set up a separate checking or savings account for direct deposit of client's check; or
      2. use their own personal banking account (if one exists).

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Revised TextNote: Although it is recommended that a separate account be kept for the protective payee funds, the volunteer protective payee may use their own personal savings or checking account.

When a social service agency acts as the protective payee (PPSA cases only), the agency uses their business FEIN number in place of a social security number.

Revised TextWhen an individual Protective Payee uses their own personal bank account for direct deposit of customer's Cash benefits they should:

  • attach a deposit slip (from their account) to the IL444-2493A; and
  • mail to the agency address shown on the IL444-2493A.

Revised TextWhen an individual Protective Payee sets up a separate checking or savings account for direct deposit of customer's Cash benefits:

  • take the IL444-2493A to a bank, savings and loan, or credit union;
  • register the account title in this manner:
    • (customer's name) by (protective payee's name), protective payee; or
    • (protective payee's name), protective payee for (customer's name); and
    • requests the staff in the financial institution complete Section B of the IL444-2493A and return to the address provided on the form.

Note: While the funds in the account are considered to belong to the customer, the account title does not permit the customer to have direct access to the funds. This method protects the customer's ownership to the funds if the protective payee dies. It also ensures that any interest paid on the funds, in the account, is credited to the customer for tax purposes. 

  1. Revised Text(EPU) Receives IL444-2493A and completes the entry in IES for processing the Cash benefits into direct deposit.
  2. Revised Text(IES) Sends IL444-2501CF - Notice Regarding Your Direct Deposit Request to the volunteer protective payee to verify the information.
  3. Revised Text(IES) For the first ongoing month of protective payment status, mails customer's check to the volunteer protective payee (not to the bank). The check goes to the protective payee's address listed on the Alternate Payee/Authorized Representative page in IES.
    1. The first regular roll month of protective payment status is to ensure the process information is set up correctly. If a problem arises, the concerns can be corrected before direct deposit takes place. 
  4. Revised Text(IES) If there are no changes, mails IL444-2501A - Notice of Direct Deposit to the volunteer protective payee to indicate the start date of the customer's Cash benefits being enrolled in direct deposit.
  5. Revised Text(IL Comptroller) Directly deposits customer's 2nd ongoing month Cash benefits into the bank account designated by the protective payee.
  6. Revised Text(IES) Performs the additional following actions:
    • Sends IL444-3159A - Notice of Benefit Direct Deposit to the volunteer protective payee each time a check is deposited into the protective payee account.
    • Sends the HFS 469 - Medical Card to the customer.
    • Sends customer's SNAP benefits to their Illinois Link account.

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