Benefits Advocate Helps Man Navigate the System
For Ordell Dickerson, understanding and navigating the Social Security Administration (SSA) system was a daunting prospect. Previously denied Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), he turned to a Benefits Advocate at the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) for assistance with his appeal. The outcome would keep his life in tact.
“I needed help making sure that all of the paperwork was filled out completely and correctly and that I was presenting my strongest case,” said Ordell.
According to Rebecca Payton, Manager of Benefits Advisement Services for RCIL, Benefits Advocates explain the process in understandable terms and make it less overwhelming for people. Currently RCIL has three full-time Benefits Advocates that regularly assist people with Social Security Administration hearings and with Department of Social Services Fair Hearings.
Benefits Advocate Steve Hall handled Ordell’s case. He personally contacted Ordell’s doctors, wrote letters and followed up until he had received all of the necessary information. “Completing forms, obtaining medical information, and preparing for the hearing can all be hugely overwhelming tasks, especially when people oftentimes are dealing with other issues and just trying to maintain their housing,” Steve said. “Our job is to help them get through it successfully.”
While waiting for his SSDI hearing, Ordell encountered financial difficulties that included utility shut offs. “Steve Hall was there for me each time,” he said. “He’s a listener and a resource person.”
To prepare for the hearing, Steve reviewed the hearing file, gathered additional medical information, and submitted it to the Administrative Law Judge. He also helped a nervous Ordell prepare for the hearing by talking about what to expect and how to give testimony and answer questions. “Steve is a very knowledgeable and understanding person who’s easy to talk to; I knew exactly what to expect when I went into the hearing,” said Ordell. The hearing itself went smoothly, and Ordell was subsequently approved for SSDI benefits.
Reflecting back on this experience, Ordell was glad that his counselor at Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) recommended that he contact RCIL. “Steve was the first person I called, and I would recommend him and RCIL to anyone who is trying to navigate the Social Security hearings and appeals system,” he added.
It was all in a day’s work for Steve. “I’m just glad we could help Ordell,” he said. “He will be able to keep his home, and he knows he can call RCIL whenever he has questions, or if something arises.”
For further information about the services available through the Benefits Department of RCIL, please call (585) 442–6470.
