How is a guardianship different from government benefits?

A guardianship is a legal relationship between a court-appointed guardian and a minor or adult with limited capacity to manage their own finances or make decisions for themselves. Government benefits, on the other hand, are assistance programs provided by the state or federal government for people who meet certain criteria. In the state of Washington, guardianships are typically used when an individual is unable to make decisions due to a disability or illness, or if they are a minor and their parents are unable or unwilling to take care of them. The guardian oversees the well-being of the individual, including their finances, healthcare, education, and other aspects of their life. Government benefits are meant to help people who are low-income, disabled, elderly, or otherwise qualify for a certain program. Eligibility varies depending on the program and the state, but they can include things like food stamps, housing assistance, healthcare, and Social Security. The main difference is that with a guardianship, one person is solely responsible for making decisions on behalf of the individual, while with government benefits, the government provides assistance on an individual or family basis.

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How is a guardianship different from government benefits?

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