Bill Payer Program

Poor eye sight, confusion or inability to write legibly may be a few of the reasons that this program may benefit you. Through the Area 9 Agency Bill Payer Program, trained volunteers assist individuals with monthly bill paying and financial planning. These volunteers help clients put their financial affairs in order. The service is free of charge to limited income individuals who have neither family nor friends to assist with their monthly financial planning.

Each client is carefully matched with a trained Bill Payer Program volunteer. An agreement is signed by the client and the volunteer. The volunteer assists in organizing the client’s bills and makes sure bills are paid in a timely manner. A program monitor compares monthly volunteer reports with client’s bank statement and cancelled checks to ensure bills are being paid properly and correctly.

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Getting Started

1. Each client is carefully matched with a trained Bill Payer Program volunteer.
2. An agreement is signed by the client and the volunteer.
3. The volunteer assists in organizing the client's bills and makes sure bills are paid in a timely manner.
4. A program monitor compares monthly volunteer reports with client's bank statement and cancelled checks to ensure bills are being paid properly and correctly.

Some of the services provided are:

• Help in sorting mail, organizing bills from one designated client account
• Balance the checkbook and assist with check-writing (all checks are approved and signed by client)
• Set up a monthly budget
• Additional client needs and concerns reported to program staff

AARP insurance covers the funds the Bill Payer volunteer is designated to handle. Honest mistakes by the volunteer are covered. If misuse of funds is intentional, the Bill Payer volunteer is personally liable.

Income Eligibility

Liquid asset dollar limit is $35,000. One designated client account not to exceed $3,500 per month. Annual income guidelines will be followed.

Typical Client Traits

Personal traits of Bill Payer Program clients are very similar. Most live alone. many have non-existent or inadequate support systems and are often disabled and/or homebound.

Clients assume responsibility for their own expenditures and only need help in organizing bills. Participants sign their own checks and approve all bill payments.

Liability

AARP insurance covers the funds the Bill Payer Program volunteer is designated to handle. Honest mistakes by the volunteer are covered. If misuse of funds is intentional, the Bill Payer Volunteer is personally liable.

How to Get More Information

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or if you need the help this program offers, contact the Bill Payer Program Coordinator, Beth Evans, by phone at (765)-966-1795 or 800-458-9345 or by email at beevans@iue.edu.