115 VENDOR PAYEES SR 97-27, 08/97 (FAM-A)

See SR 98-50 dated 8/98 for changes to this policy applicable only to Concord D.O. pilot implementation of New HEIGHTS.

When voluntarily requested by the individual, authorize payment to a vendor payee of a portion of the individual’s assistance check. The individual must continue to receive at least a $1.00 assistance check.

To initiate a vendor payment, the individual must do all of the following:

• Request voluntary vendor payments in writing;

• Specify the vendor’s name, address, and amount of payment; and

• Notify the District Office in writing when to change or terminate a vendor payment.

When an individual’s request for vendor payment is received by the District Office,

• Complete Form 787, Authorization for Protective and Vendor Payments, to initiate, terminate, or change the vendor payment; and

• Advise the individual that any vendor due to receive rent payments directly from DHHS will not receive any rent payments until the first available payroll after a completed IRS Form W-9 is received and processed by DDHS. An IRS Form W-9 is sent to the vendor when the vendor is opened on the eligibility system.

Exceptions:

Do not authorize payments to a vendor payee when any of the following circumstances apply:

• The individual has a protective payee due to mismanagement of funds;

• The individual has a foster parent, guardian, or conservator;

• The individual is involved in a dispute with the vendor payee regarding financial obligations;

• The vendor payee is coercing the individual;

• The worker has knowledge that the vendor payee will not provide the individual with the same quality and quantity of goods as the vendor payee would provide to the general public;

• Two-party payments are requested; or

• There is already a vendor payment being made.