The Ombudsperson Program

This program aims to alleviate feelings isolation between residents and the community. In navigating the complex system in which they are living, residents are likely to encounter problems in accessing needed benefits and services. Frustration with bureaucratic systems threatens client success in achieving independence. SCI’s Ombudsperson Program allows for confidential investigation and resolution of client’s problems and complaints to protect their rights and identify adverse conditions affecting residents’ lives. Typical problems that arise include:

• Housing – landlord/tenant problems; public and standardized housing issues; eviction defense
• Health and Public benefits – issues accessing food stamps, social security and supplemental income, Medicaid, Medicare, HMO’s and long-term care
• Consumer – debt collection including medical bills, credit cards, home improvement contracts, defense of garnishment of Social Security and wages
• Naturalization issues – assistance with applications for U.S. Citizenship to qualify for public benefits, medical waivers, and fee waivers
• Abuse and exploitation – issues with family members and intimate partners