How ABA May Support Managing Money With a Chosen Supporter

Define the support request

Ask whether the person wants help reading, planning, comparing, paying, tracking, contacting an institution, organizing records, or deciding. Record which tasks the person retains, which are shared, and which another authorized role performs.

Verify authority and limits

Use current applicable law, account documents, benefit or program rules, and institution requirements. Record source, scope, effective date, expiration, revocation, approval threshold, prohibited actions, and who resolves ambiguity. A family label alone proves none of these.

Build transparent controls

Use accessible budgets and statements, receipts, dual review for higher-risk actions, regular reconciliation, conflict disclosure, secure credential handling, and an independent concern route. The Ethics Code addresses confidentiality and client involvement for covered analysts. Keep the person's own communication and meetings available when possible.

Respond to suspected exploitation

The CFPB fraud hub includes resources for suspected financial exploitation involving an older person or person with a disability. FTC's scam guidance supports independent verification and prompt reporting. Immediate safety and applicable protective or legal duties bypass routine teaching.

A practical example

Zoe chooses a supporter to help review ten monthly budget categories. Authority and records are clear for eight; two remain held for account clarification. Zoe approves six proposed changes, declines one, and asks for more information on one.

Questions families can use

What help does the person want? What authority actually exists? Which access and approval limits apply? Are records understandable? How are conflicts disclosed? Can the person decline, change supporters, or reach an independent concern route?