Katelyn Schuck, Payee Program Director for Wayne Township Trustee Office, works with a client. Managing a monthly budget can be challenging for anyone. But for some individuals who receive Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a disability, serious illness, or cognitive impairment can make handling finances safely and consistently almost impossible. For more than 25 years, the Wayne Township Trustee Office’s Representative Payee Program has helped eligible residents maintain financial stability while protecting the benefits they rely on. Established in 2001, the program is one of only two township-operated representative payee programs in Allen County. It provides a free service for eligible Wayne Township residents who struggle to manage their Social Security benefits on their own. As a representative payee, the Wayne Township Trustee Office (WTTO) manages clients’ funds and ensures bills are paid so that clients can live with greater peace of mind. “Once the Social Security Administration approves Wayne Township as a client’s representative payee, that client’s monthly benefits are deposited into a secure account that we manage,” explains Katelyn Schuck, WTTO Payee Program Director. “Using specialized accounting software, each client’s funds are tracked individually, and we create a personalized budget based on the person’s needs.” Housing, utilities, food, medical expenses, and other necessary bills are paid directly. The remaining funds are provided to the client as a regular personal allowance. For clients living independently, that typically means a weekly allowance. Residents of assisted living facilities or nursing homes receive a monthly personal allowance that is established by the State of Indiana. “We will also work on savings goals with our clients,” says Schuck. “If someone wants to save for a new mattress or another important purchase, we help them create a savings plan. If an unexpected expense comes up, we adjust their allowance to help cover the expense, and work through it together.” The program plays an important role in helping participants remain safely housed. By ensuring rent and utility payments are made on time, clients are less likely to face late fees, service disconnections, or eviction. According to Schuck, referrals come from many sources, including the SSA, healthcare providers, social service agencies, family members, and individuals themselves. Participation is voluntary, and the SSA makes the final determination on whether a representative payee is necessary, typically via supporting documentation from a physician or mental health professional. The Wayne Township Trustee Office currently serves close to 100 payee clients and has capacity to assist additional eligible residents. “Sometimes our work extends beyond paying bills,” Schuck notes. One memorable story she recalls involved a man whose declining mental health after the death of his mother left him unable to safely care for himself. Through the relationships built by the Payee Program, staff coordinated with the Fort Wayne Police Department and healthcare providers to ensure he received medical attention. After treatment and additional support, he was placed in a care facility where he continues to do well. “When you build relationships with clients, you notice when something isn’t right. We work with families, healthcare providers, and community partners to help connect people with the services they need,” Schuck says. The program is also designed to adapt as clients’ circumstances change. In some cases, an individual may recover from an illness or demonstrate to the Social Security Administration in another way that they are once again able to manage their own finances. “When someone is ready to become their own payee again, that’s something we celebrate,” Schuck says. “Our goal is always to do what’s best for the client.” Every dollar managed through the Representative Payee Program belongs to the client — not WTTO. The office maintains detailed financial records, reports regularly to SSA and the State of Indiana, and provides the service at no cost to participants. For any Wayne Township residents who receive Social Security or SSI benefits and are struggling to manage their funds — or any caregiver who believes a resident might benefit from a payee program — WTTO encourages them to contact the Trustee’s Office to learn more. Even if someone isn’t sure they qualify, staff members are happy to answer questions and explain the process. ...read more read less