§ 350-a. Protective payments. 1. Whenever the social services official
who is granting allowances of family assistance to a relative for the
benefit of a child determines that such relative is unable to manage the
allowances he or she may, when appropriate in accordance with state and
federal requirements, pay the allowances to another individual who is
interested in or concerned with the welfare of the child and relative.

2. The determination of the social services official to pay
allowances to another individual pursuant to subdivision one may be
appealed to the department by the relative concerned who shall be given
an opportunity for a fair hearing on his appeal. The department may
review such determination on its own motion. The powers and procedures
prescribed by section twenty-two of this chapter shall likewise apply to
the determinations, appeals and reviews made pursuant to this section.

3. Any relative or other person who is granted an allowance of family
assistance for the benefit of a child or children and who wilfully uses
all or any part of such allowance other than for the benefit of such
child or children, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.