Walden House, Inc. has been providing Representative Payee Services to individuals receiving financial benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Administration (SSA), who live in San Francisco and the Bay Area since March 1995. The program serves individuals who need assistance with money management to insure that their needs for food, clothing, shelter and daily living are met. Additional services include helping to prevent or end financial exploitation; providing advocacy with the Social Security Administration regarding benefits, managing overpayments, re-determination of benefits and other matters involving their fiscal needs. As an authorized payee agency, we collect a monthly fee based on the current rate approved by Social Security and deduct that amount from the recipient's monthly benefits check.
In July 2004, the program became partially funded by Community Behavioral Health Services of the San Francisco Department of Public Health in order to provide targeted case management to a designated dually-diagnosed population. Case management services will be provided on a monthly basis or more frequently if the client appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The program consists of three services: financial management conducted in accordance with Social Security Administration rules and regulations; connection of the recipient with the needed community services through case management with the mental health system; and transition of the city's mentally ill homeless population into permanent housing.
Anyone interested should call (415) 934-3407 for an appointment. If unable to come to the office, an out-of-office visit can be arranged.