Veterans Estate Management Program

Protective payee services for veterans and family members

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Estate Management Program (VEMP) offers protective payee services for veterans and family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. By assuming custody of the individual’s finances, the department ensures basic needs – such as housing, food, clothing and medical care – are provided.

The WDVA director is authorized to provide protective financial services to veterans and beneficiaries deemed in need of assistance. These services may include the following:

• Fiduciary appointment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; or
• Representative payee appointment by the Social Security Administration.

Mission:

To provide timely payments to clients and vendors to ensure food, clothing and shelter needs are met using the client’s limited income and resources;

To protect client income and assets from undue creditor claims, as well as protection from loss or diversion; and

To ensure all clients are fully advised of all potential federal and state benefits to which they may be entitled.

More Information:

• VA Fiduciary:  https://www.benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/
• SSA Representative Payee: https://www.ssa.gov/payee/