Toni Hunt
Representative Payee
FASI (Financial Advocates of
Southeast Idaho) started in 1999, a year after RHS opened. This program developed
after learning that some RHS clients needed assistance managing their finances.
Toni Hunt helped build the foundation to the FASI program, and is now RHS’s
Representative Payee. In 2005, Social Security approached FASI and asked that
they take on some of their clients that needed help to budget their income.
Currently, FASI works with Mental Health Court, the ACT team through Health and
Welfare Adult Mental Health, and 7 to 8 other agencies serving over 150 clients.
Recently, FASI expanded their services to the Veteran’s Affairs program (VA). In
2011, FASI became a nonprofit organization, and in 2014 they changed their name
from Financial Services for Independence to Financial Advocates of Southeast
Idaho.
FASI provides payee services
for people that are struggling to manage their Social Security or VA benefits
and ensure all rules and regulations for Social Security and the VA are being
met and followed. FASI tracks changes in moving, marriage or divorce, any extra
earned or unearned income, hospital stays, and any jail time served. It is
important for clients to know that if there are changes within their lives they
will need to inform their Representative Payee immediately. This is to ensure
that all expenses are addressed and the remainder of the funds are allocated
towards necessities. FASI offers education and financial advice to their
qualifying clients.
To qualify for payee services,
you must first set up an appointment for a free consultation with one of FASI’s
trained payee representatives. Once the preliminary paperwork is completed it
is sent to Social Security or the VA to be reviewed. Ultimately, eligibility is
determined by Social Security or the VA. Social Security’s goal is to verify
that payee services are the right fit for their client. This is a one-time
obligation the client must go through. If a client has received payee services
in the past they are authorized for immediate payee assistance. Once a client
is approved for payee services, they are regularly contacted via their Case
Worker or an individual at FASI to inform them the status of their finances and
gather other important updates. FASI works to facilitate a month to month
budget helping the client plan ahead and reduce anxiety caused by financial
difficulties.
Toni Hunt describes FASI as a
program that does not take away financial rights, but helps individuals to
develop organizational skills and learn to make a budget and stick to it. FASI
is designed to help clients feel comfortable with their finances and support
independence. It can also be a great middle ground to avoid someone taking advantage
of Social Security or VA benefits. Toni believes that, “Finances are a big
indicator of how someone is doing mentally.” If your finances are not being
monitored then it can become difficult to afford necessities such as medication
or other basic needs. This in return can impede progress and recovery. When your finances are controlled and
budgeted adequately, “It helps to alleviate a big downward spiral.” Toni has
been the chief payee representative since 1999. She leads a small team
consisting of Neil Bingham, Faith Bingham and Itzia Garcia. Toni enjoys helping
others and finds joy in being able to calm someone down when they are upset or
angry about their financial situation.
FASI is a nonprofit
organization and is always accepting new clients. To schedule a consultation
please contact Itzia at 208.523.1024 or stop in to meet the FASI team at 1675
Curlew Dr. Ammon, ID 83406.
