“Harry*” came to the Center desperately looking for help. But his halting speech pattern–a result of brain injury and a history of autism–made this middle age gentleman very difficult to understand. His communication problems masked what is actually a very bright intellect. As best as we could understand, something about Social Security benefits and a large sum of money were at the core of his concerns.
A CFJ volunteer advocate listened very carefully to Harry over the course of multiple interviews and was finally able to piece together his story and concerns. Receiving his benefits through a protective payee was anathema to him. He insisted that he was capable of handling his own financial affairs, and he’d demonstrated, by current and past behavior, that he was capable. His protective payee, a close and loving family member, agreed.
The family member and the Center advocate met with a Social Security official who was inclined to agree with Harry. To comply with federal rules, the official required Harry to obtain an independent medical opinion as to his competence. With prompting and guidance (his biggest problem is getting people to understand him) Harry found a doctor to examine him. He was then referred for a diagnostic exam and a session with a counselor. He was subsequently able to make an appointment, on his own, with Social Security and is now well on the way to achieving his goal.
*Not his real name.
