Protect your finances

You can take steps now to ensure your finances are in the right hands in the future. They include:

Developing necessary legal documents
Establishing direct deposits so your funds can go where you want them
Setting up joint bank accounts so one or more people besides yourself can make decisions about your funds
Enrolling in a money management program

Money Management Program

The Oregon Money Management Program is a partnership with DHS, local community service organizations and volunteers. The program supports people who need help with money management tasks. Trained, supervised volunteers work one-on-one with individuals through two core services: Bill Payer, and Representative Payee. Some services include:

One-on-one help for those who remain in control of their finances but need help to keep on track.
One-on-one help for people who cannot manage their federal benefits. Benefit examples are Social Security, SSA Disability, Veterans, and Railroad Retirement. Volunteers manage these federal benefits on behalf of the person. This makes sure that basic needs are met and funds are protected.

Contact the ADRC for program information and other options at Tel: 1-855-673-2372 or ADRC.WebMessages@state.or.us

Conservatorship

If you do not have a process in place to manage your finances and you become unable to do so, family members or others may have to seek a conservatorship to protect your funds. In Oregon, a court must appoint another person to manage your funds. The conservator can be someone close to you or a professional conservator. These arrangements are often expensive to set up.