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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information By: Angela Fields, Supervisor of Volunteer Services
The Money Management Program at Elder Services is a free service designed to help individuals 60 years and older with limited financial resources manage their
finances related to the essentials of daily living.
How the Money Management program can help
Trying to remain independent while living on a fixed income and dealing
with health related issues is not easy for some older adults. Bills have a way of piling up and the paperwork can become overwhelming. The Money Management program provides help through two services: bill payer and representative payee. In both cases, The Money Management Coordinator interviews, screens and trains volunteers in the details and guidelines of the Money Management program and then matches volunteers with elders having difficulty managing their financial affairs.
Bill Payer service
A volunteer is matched with a elder requesting bill payer service. The two parties sign a mutual agreement listing the type of help needed, such as assistance with sorting mail, establishing a budget, balancing checkbooks, reconciling bank statements and help with writing checks. The volunteer meets at least once a month with the elder in his or her home.
Representative Payee service
This service is provided when an elder doesn’t have the ability to effectively direct the volunteer in managing the elder’s monthly finances.
Representative Payee volunteers must apply to and be appointed by the Social
Security Administration. The appointment and screening process ensures that vulnerable people are protected from financial exploitation. Now in its tenth year at Elder Services, the Money Management Program, with its 75 committed volunteers, has assisted hundreds of Berkshire County elders and given them the opportunity to live with dignity while maintaining their independence.
If you feel this
kind of assistance would be helpful, or if you would like to join the team of
Money Management volunteers, please call Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or
1-800-544-5242 and ask for the Money Management Coordinator.