§ 4–212.03. Protective payments on behalf of adult recipients.
(a) The Mayor may authorize protective payments on behalf of adult recipients of public assistance under the following conditions:
(1) When there has been made clear determination that a needy individual has, by reason of physical or mental impairment, such inability to manage funds that making payments to him would be contrary to his or her welfare, as evidenced by his or her repeated failure to pay for rent and other essentials, exploitation of him or her in money matters by other persons, and medical or psychological reports indicating severe intellectual disability, disorientation, or memory loss; and
(2) When the individual selected as payee has shown an interest in and concern for the welfare of the recipient, is accessible to the recipient, has the ability to establish and maintain a positive friendly relationship with the recipient, and is dependable and able to use the assistance payment in the best interests of the recipient. Members of the staff of the Mayor or persons whose selection might create a conflict of interest, such as grocers or landlords, shall not be selected as payees.
(b) The adult recipient shall be given the opportunity for a fair hearing with respect to any decision to make or continue protective payments or the selection of the payee.
(c) The Mayor will undertake and continue special efforts to improve, to the extent possible, the recipient’s capacity for self-care and his or her ability to manage funds.
(d) Reconsideration of the need for protective payments shall be made as indicated by the recipient’s circumstances and, in any event, at least every 6 months.
(e) The Mayor shall initiate court proceedings for the judicial appointment of a guardian or other legal representative whenever it appears that such an appointment will best serve the interests of the recipient.
(f) The Mayor shall authorize protective payments only when the Mayor can meet total need for all cases based on the current standards for requirements.
