Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) Public Guardian, Public Administrator, and Representative Payee
Our programs assist those who are unable to manage their basic personal and financial needs with the goal of promoting their stability and wellness. We also manage the affairs of recently deceased individuals who do not have available friends or family to resolve their estate. The scope of these programs is outlined in California State Code and authorized by the San Francisco Superior Court.
Public Guardian
The Public Guardian provides critical wraparound services to individuals who are unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation or provide for their own basic needs as a result of cognitive impairment often caused by dementia, traumatic brain injury, or other conditions. These services are provided through a legal process known as conservatorship and the Public Guardian must be court-appointed.
The Public Guardian ensures access to comprehensive services that include appropriate medical care, social work services, and financial management. Typically, clients who are served by the Public Guardian do not have available family members or loved ones who can reliably provide these services.
Anyone can make a referral to the Public Guardian. The majority of referrals are from acute care hospitals. For more information, call (415) 355-3555 or email SFPGReferral@sfgov.org.
Public Administrator
The Public Administrator strives to provide dignity after death for San Franciscans who have passed away without available family members or loved ones who are able to handle their estate or remains.
The Public Administrator provides estate administration services including identifying any and all family members and loved ones, searching for wills and trusts, planning the disposition of decedent’s remains, locating and managing assets, monitoring creditor claims, reviewing taxes, and administering asset distribution to heirs and beneficiaries. The Public Administrator must be appointed by the court for large estates.
If our offices have reached out to you or for additional information, please call (415) 355-3555 or email SFPA@sfgov.org.
Representative Payee
The Representative Payee Program provides financial management services to older adults and adults with disabilities who cannot independently manage their Social Security (SSA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, and other public benefits.
This includes supporting enrollment in public benefit programs, as well as working closely with case managers to provide budgeted spending money. The Representative Payee Program help clients meet their daily needs and maintain well-being and independence.
Participants in this voluntary program must be referred by their case manager. For more information, call (415) 355-3555.