The Money Management Program is jointly sponsored by AARP, Mass Home Care and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Started in September 1994, Elder Services' of Berkshire County's Money Management program is a free service that assists low-income elders who have difficulty writing checks, balancing their checkbooks and managing their money. These elders may be at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay basic rent, food, and utility bills on time. Once a volunteer has been introduced to and accepted by the elder, and it is this volunteer who will visit the elders' homes at least monthly.
All services provided are confidential and monitored by staff on a monthly basis.
Additional assistance can include developing a budget, organizing and sorting mail, and working with creditors. The elder makes all the bill paying decisions and signs their own checks. This program is monitored by program staff on a monthly basis, and is monitored by a third party quarterly. This service is renewable annually, and the client has the right to cancel service at any time. Representative Payee volunteers are provided through the Money Management Program and assigned by the Social Security Administration after a physician's statement has been completed.