Resolve, Directing the Commissioner of Health and Human Services To Implement Representative Payee and Disability Specialists Programs

Sec. 1. Representative payee program. Resolved: That, no later than July 1, 2008, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall create and implement a representative payee program for the purpose of providing assistance to recipients of social security or supplemental security income benefits who cannot manage or direct the management of their funds. In the development of the program, the commissioner may work with municipal officials that have implemented locally administered representative payee programs. The commissioner shall assess and identify the most cost-effective way to implement and administer the program, including, but not limited to, outsourcing the administration of the program, restructuring the work assignments of existing department staff or increasing department staff; and be it further

Sec. 2. Disability specialists. Resolved: That, no later than July 1, 2008, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall create and implement a disability specialist program for the purpose of assisting homeless individuals in applying for supplemental security income or social security disability income benefits. In the development of the program, the commissioner may work with municipal officials and organizations that currently provide such a service to homeless individuals. The commissioner shall assess and identify the most cost-effective way to implement and administer the program, including, but not limited to, outsourcing the administration of the program, restructuring the work assignments of existing department staff or increasing department staff.

summary

This resolve directs the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to create and implement by July 1, 2008 a representative payee program to provide assistance to recipients of social security or supplemental security income benefits who cannot manage or direct the management of their funds. This resolve also directs the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to create and implement by July 1, 2008 a disability specialist program to provide assistance to homeless individuals in applying for supplemental security income or social security disability income benefits.