CHAPTER 5: Legal Terminology and Potential Resources LEGAL DEFINITIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW Conservator and Alternatives What is a Guardian? ● A legal guardian can make a wide range of personal and medical decisions for the person in their care. ● In the state of Tennessee, guardianship can only be used for someone seventeen (17) years old or younger. What is a Conservator? ● A court-approved legal relationship between a competent adult (known as a conservator in TN; as a guardian in other states) and an adult with a disability or other adult who needs assistance in decision-making. What is a Limited Conservator? ● Same as a conservator but allows a person to keep as much control as possible and reasonable over her/his own life. ● The conservator has authority only in specific areas where the person is not capable of decision-making. What is a Representative Payee? ● For those who receive government, military or other benefit checks only. The Social Security Administrative may assign a representative payee. ● The payee receives the check and must use the money to benefit the individual. ● An organization can also serve as a Representative Payee. Goodwill and Goodwill's staff are not to take on the role of a Representative Payee. ● Individuals with Social Security Supplement Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and individuals who receive Social Security Retirement (SSA) and are under the age of 70 are required to report earned income. There is more specific information in Chapter 6.
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