How is a guardianship different from government benefits?

A guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a person or entity is responsible for the physical and financial well-being of another person. In North Carolina, guardianships are generally established for individuals who are either minors, or who have been declared legally incompetent by a court. Government benefits, on the other hand, are monetary or other resources provided by the government to individuals who meet certain criteria. These can include Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The main difference between guardianship and government benefits is that, while a guardianship arrangement exists to provide one individual with physical and financial care, government benefits are available to a wider range of individuals and provide monetary or other assistance. In the case of guardianship, the guardian has legal responsibility and authority over the ward, including decisions about the ward’s living arrangements, healthcare, and finances. This is not the case with government benefits, where the recipient has the power to choose how to use the benefits they receive. Ultimately, a guardianship is intended to provide the ward with long-term help and care from a responsible individual, while government benefits provide short-term assistance to people who may not have another source of support.

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How is a guardianship different from government benefits?

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