4.15 - Trustees

A trustee refers to an individual who has been entrusted to receive financial assistance payments by SD on behalf of clients who are unable to look after their own affairs. The trustee is responsible to ensure that funds are expended for the maintenance and benefit of the client. These funds are not considered income for the trustee if they too, are a client of the department.

Under no circumstances is an employee of SD to become a trustee. A trustee is only mandatory in cases where Access and Assessment with Social Development has recommended a trustee for a client between 16-18 years of age.

Trustees must be mature, responsible persons aged 19 years or older. Trustees should only be used when it is clear that a client is unable to manage their own affairs. We should not deprive clients of such levels of responsibility as they are capable of exercising. Trustees are not to be used for reasons of administrative convenience. If applicable and if possible, a medical assessment should back up a decision to appoint a trustee.

A periodic review should assess the necessity of keeping a client in a trustee relationship.

Trustees should be responsible and accessible. They have the following obligations.

• to maintain a financial record of expenditures made on behalf of the client, for future reference or audit,
• to notify SD of any changes in the client's circumstances within 15 days of the change.

Trustees must complete an Agreement of Trustee form and must be given a copy of the completed form.