A support network is important to the success of any young adult. Many adults with ID receive help from their family in obtaining benefits, accessing health care, and advocating for services. In addition to providing a home and food, many families may also provide transportation for their adult child with ID. In the current situation, Mr. Foster’s parents seem unable to provide support to him.
Adults with ID with little or no work history may be are eligible to receive a monthly payment in the form of SSI. This requires a finding that the individual is unable to perform substantial gainful activity (http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf). The SSI benefit amount varies because some states supplement the federal amount.
Mr. Foster believes he was at one time receiving SSI. This presents a concern that his family may be receiving his SSI or “disability check” and not utilizing it for Mr. Foster’s living expenses and assistance. The social worker should investigate whether he is on SSI and where his SSI check is deposited. If he is unable to handle his own funds, he may need a representative payee appointed. A representative payee is an individual or organization that will receive SSI check and distribute amounts as needed to help him meet his monthly expenses and provide him with spending money. Additional information is available at:
Mr. Foster may be able to participate in the workforce. Meaningful work is important to individuals with ID and can contribute to health, wellness and increased self-worth. He may not have had access to information about opportunities for competitive employment, post-secondary training or education leading to employment. People with ID who receive SSI may have been told that are unable to work, or that they may risk losing benefits if the work. Mr. Foster may benefit from working with a trained vocational counselor and a benefits counselor to explore employment options available to him and assist him to make choices based on his interests, talents, and work related skills. The social worker may be able to connect him with both the local DD Service Agency and the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency where the process will begin.
Question 3.4
Is it unusual that Mr. Foster does not have a primary care provider (PCP)? What are possible barriers to his finding a PCP?