The Money Management Program

CSCS’s Money Management Program promotes independence for older adults who need help paying bills on time. Relieved of the burden of unmanageable paperwork, seniors have peace of mind knowing their monthly obligations will be met. Bill Payer assistance may help prevent eviction and is a powerful deterrent to financial exploitation. Recognizing the growing need for help with bills among low-income seniors, CSCS joined with AARP Foundation and ReServe on the Money Management Program. Over three years, the project will reach out to diverse populations in the five boroughs, matching seniors with volunteer Bill Payers who live in the same community. Professional retirees from ReServe serve as local Program Coordinators in each community, putting their years of experience to work supervising the volunteers and managing the details of the program.

How the Bill Payer Program Works

Local agencies host the Bill Payer Program, with citywide coordination provided by CSCS. At each site, screened and trained volunteers are matched with low-income seniors whose independence is at risk due to physical or mental limitations. Bill Payer clients may be homebound, disabled, visually impaired or forgetful, and have no family nearby to help. For more eligibility guidelines, click here. Under the Bill Payer program, the older adult remains completely in charge of their finances. Volunteers work with them one-on-one, organizing paperwork, writing out checks for their signature and balancing their checkbook. They provide detailed monthly reports to a Program Coordinator at their local agency. Guidelines and monitoring protocols protect both clients and volunteers. Bill Payer clients report a greater sense of security and diminished feelings of isolation thanks to volunteer visits.

Where To Find the Bill Payer Program

Currently, the program is offered by 11 community-based agencies in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Over the next three years, it aims to expand to 27 sites in all five boroughs. To find out if Bill Payer services are available in your area, click here.

How Can I Receive Services or Make a Referral?

Referrals are accepted by the Program Coordinators at each local site. The Program Coordinator can answer questions about eligibility and explain in greater detail how the program works. For other questions, or for more information about the Bill Payer program in NYC, contact the citywide Money Management Program Coordinator Amanda Leis at 212.398.6565 ext 230 or aleis@cscs-ny.org