After becoming property guardian, the PGT will take steps to determine all the assets and debts of the adult.
Financial institutions will be contacted to determine if the adult has any bank accounts or investments. The PGT will determine whether it is appropriate to redeem or hold the investment.
The adult's debts will be ascertained and paid as appropriate. The PGT will negotiate with creditors to reduce or write off debts when funds are limited.
The PGT will redirect any of the adult's income to the PGT's office where it will be held in a trust account for the adult. The PGT also ensures that the adult is receiving all income to which they may be entitled, and, if not, will apply for that income, such as Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, etc. The trust officer assigned will work with the adult, their family and caregivers to ensure that the adult's monthly expenses are paid from the adult's funds and that the adult receives funds for their incidental needs from that income.
If the client owns real property, such as a house, a representative from the PGT Office will inspect the property, inventory the furniture and other belongings and secure the property if unoccupied. If the client occupies the property, the office will meet with him or her to discuss the office's involvement and obtain pertinent information. If the client no longer occupies the property, the PGT may arrange for it to be sold. Insurance is put in place and maintained for all real property and valuable assets.
The PGT will ensure that the client has appropriate health coverage. This may involve applying for Supplementary Health coverage, private group coverage and Special Drug Support.
The PGT will also ensure that all previous tax returns have been filed and will file income tax returns on an annual basis.
If the adult has legal matters, such as a family property claim or class action claim, the PGT will retain legal counsel and commence or defend any necessary claims.
On a day-to-day basis, the staff of the PGT might disclose information in order to manage the financial affairs of its clients. The PGT will release only the information that is necessary and in the best interests of the client. When administering the financial affairs of an adult, the PGT tends to disclose less information rather than more to family and third parties, so that the client's privacy is protected. An adult for whom the PGT is property guardian is always entitled to his or her financial information.