PAYCO POLICIES

PayCo is dedicated to providing the best possible service to our clients.  The following are guidelines that should be followed when making application and/or referrals to us.  We charge a fee for our services which is set each year by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  We do not provide payeeship for ODJFS benefits other than RSS. 

The choice of payee is voluntary, as is our choice of client, BUT having a payee is not a voluntary relationship.

BUDGETS:

  • Checks are available on the day or days that are established in the monthly budget. Checks may not be picked up early. Checks may only be picked up by the client listed on the check or a pre-approved representative. 
  • Budget changes MUST be in by the 22nd of the month and will go into effect the following month.
  • Individuals with large back payments must establish a separate budget for those funds.
  • All vehicle purchases must be approved by the CEO. Please note that claimants receiving SSI benefits will not be permitted to purchase any type of motor vehicle. This includes SSI recipients who receive large back payments.
  • PayCo reserves the right to adjust discretionary funds to cover rent and utility costs that exceed the monthly budget.
  • PayCo is not a lending institution; therefore monies cannot be borrowed under any circumstances.
  • PayCo is not responsible for errors due to inadequate or erroneous information provided by the claimant, this includes bill payment.
  • PayCo will return all conserved funds to the Social Security Administration in the event of a claimant’s death or change in payee.
  • Utility bills are kept on file for one year only.
  • Upon termination of services, claimant has until the end of their final month with PayCo to review their account. After that 30 day period if the claimant wants to review their account a fee per hour will be charged.



RENT/HOUSING:
  • Only one rent check is issued per month.
  • All rent checks are mailed. SSI recipients’ rent checks are mailed on the 1st of every month, SSDI recipients’ rent checks are mailed on the 3rd of every month.
  • Motels are not considered permanent housing and will not be approved unless the individuals account balance exceeds $1,500.
  • Requests for changes regarding rent payment must be made in writing by the 22nd of the month for the next month.
  • If you are homeless or become homeless, PayCo must save 45% of your monthly income for future housing. Again, motels do not meet the housing criteria for the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  • All SSI recipients not paying rent will see a reduction in their monthly entitlements as establish by the SSA.
  • Signed lease must be turned in prior to paying any landlord.
  • All rent checks must be made payable directly to the legal landlord. NO rent checks are payable to family, friends or unauthorized individuals.
  • The Number living in the household does affect rent payments. SSI recipients cannot pay rent for other individuals in the household.  PayCo is only responsible for the rent payment of its contracted clients.                                                                     
ADDITIONAL REQUESTS FOR FUNDS:
  • Surplus funds not allocated in the budget may be withdrawn by special requests.
  • All additional requests must be made during the business day by 3:30 PM.
  • Individuals who are not paying rent to a legitimate landlord by PayCo may not request additional funds unless total balance is over $1000.00.
  • Additional request for funds are limited to three per month. If more money is needed and the funds are available, a new budget must be established with your account manager.
  • PayCo reserves the right to deny requests if deemed inappropriate or illegitimate.                         
  • Individuals are limited to $100.00 per request. If requests are needed over $100.00 the check must be payable to a vendor.
  • PayCo reserves the right to increase our fee in cases of excessive and inappropriate use of our services.
BILLS:
  • RENT, GAS, and ELECTRIC payments are made in full each month unless there are insufficient funds in the client’s account. As stated previously discretionary funds may be adjusted so that the bills are paid in full.
  • If funds are low in an account, PayCo will prioritize GAS, WATER and ELECTRIC payments. Phone and cable bills will not be included in the monthly budget unless there are adequate funds for food.  If the phone is a requirement for housing or other reasons, the client will be set up with the Lifeline program.  Many clients receiving SSI and without a housing subsidy cannot afford cable.
  • Payments for bills that are not included in the monthly budget will be the responsibility of the client.
  • Clients will be notified by mail as soon as possible in the event there are insufficient funds to pay bills that are on the monthly budget. Clients will be asked to make an appointment to adjust their monthly budget.  However, budgets may be adjusted, as needed, at the Agency’s discretion.
  • Bill payment will depend on the number of residents living in the household.
  • PayCo will incur the cost of the checks that are lost in the mail, with exception of late penalties. PayCo will advocate with the vendor to waive any late fees.
  • Stop payment for lost checks requires two business days to reissue and will be entered at the discretion of the Agency.
  • Checks that are picked up are the responsibility of the recipient and stop payments fees will be charged to their account in the event of loss.
  • Negative balances are prohibited.
  • One bus pass per month is issued.
  • Property damage to the Agency by client will be billed to the client’s account.
  • Bills can be emailed to us at [email protected]



PayCo is obligated, by law, to notify the Social Security Administration in the event of the following:

□ Hospitalization beyond 30 days                                            □ Incarceration beyond 30 days

□ Change in employment status                                              □ Change in marital status         

□ Change in number in household or in rent                              □ Change in address

□ No contact with PayCo, beyond 30 days               

PayCo reserves the right to adjust our policies according to what we deem necessary and appropriate for an individual at any time keeping in accordance with our contract with the Social Security Administration.