FAQs • Coconino County, AZ • CivicEngage

What is a representative payee and how is this different from a guardian/conservator?: A representative payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration for the purpose of managing an individual’s Social Security benefits. Becoming a representative does not require a court appointment. A family member or interested party can be appointed as a representative payee by Social Security if a person is having difficulty managing his or her Social Security benefits.

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Public Fiduciary

1. How does the Public Fiduciary office receive referrals for guardianship/ conservatorship?: The Coconino County Public Fiduciary Office receives referrals from agencies and individuals who are in need of a guardian for a family member or individual. Required forms include the Agency Referral Application and Health Professionals Report, which are available on the Coconino County website. Coconino County Public Fiduciary Office is also willing to provide assistance to family members and others in completing the application for guardianship/conservatorship for the protected person.

2. What are the duties of a guardian?: A guardian is a court-appointed decision maker for a person who has been determined to be legally incapacitated. Some of the decisions that a guardian makes are in regard to medical care, placement, and financial decisions. The Public Fiduciary is only appointed when no family member or other qualified entity who is willing to serve can be found. Family members have priority for appointment over the Public Fiduciary.

3. What a Public Fiduciary is not?: A Public Fiduciary is not a companion, therapist, caregiver, or health care provider. A Public Fiduciary can not force a person to take medications, accept medical treatment, housing, etc., if the person is unwilling. And a Public Fiduciary is not responsible for providing direct care for the protected person which includes providing transportation, giving medication, cooking meals, cleaning, etc.

4. What is a representative payee and how is this different from a guardian/conservator?: A representative payee is appointed by the Social Security Administration for the purpose of managing an individual’s Social Security benefits. Becoming a representative does not require a court appointment. A family member or interested party can be appointed as a representative payee by Social Security if a person is having difficulty managing his or her Social Security benefits.

5. What are the duties of a conservator and how is this different from a guardian?: A fiduciary, acting as conservator, makes decisions on matters of the protected person’s finances and assets. The conservator’s primary goal is management of the protected person’s estate with the goal of providing for the person’s needs such as food, clothing and housing. The conservator is also responsible for applying for any benefits that the protected person is entitled to receive.

6. How can I get additional Public Fiduciary information or ask questions?: Call (928) 679-7441, or visit our 2nd floor office at 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004.