General information from a recorded webinar, not legal advice for your situation.

Which support tools get overlooked?

Quick answer · 0:47 · From Supported Decision-Making: Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship · Recorded Apr 24, 2026

Short answer

Health care directives and powers of attorney are well known. Authorized representatives for county benefits and Social Security representative payees often surprise families, and they can provide help with money and benefits without a conservator.

Key points

  • Authorized reps handle county benefits.
  • Rep payees manage Social Security income.
  • Both work without court involvement.

Katie HestnessEducation Navigator, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota · Guest presenter

Read this part of the transcript

So the more you can utilize the full team in whatever way that looks like, social workers, group home, family, friends, whoever that might be, the better. And what would you consider the most underutilized tools or supports when we’re talking about families making decisions for their loved ones? I think when we talk about tools available, the easy ones are healthcare directives and power of attorneys. I think those are the most common ones. But I think authorized rep for county benefits is one that usually surprises people. And also the rep payee. I’ve talked with many families who said, “Oh my God, now my child is getting a check for $1,200 a month.

Created automatically from the recording. Full transcript on the webinar page.

Related: Guardianships & ConservatorshipsSpecial Needs Planning All quick answers

Questions about your own plans?

Call (952) 925-4147 or send a message.

Contact Us

More quick answers

See all quick answers →
Full webinar Supported Decision-Making: Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship Watch