Consumer Assistance

The Breakthrough House Consumer Assistance Program provides emergency aid and representative payee services for persons with mental illness

Why Consumer Assistance?

At one time, it was estimated that the number of persons with mental illness in Topeka was at least twice what you would expect to find in a city of this size.  While that number may have decreased with the departure of the Menninger Clinic, there are indicators that the population is still a significant one.  In 2007 alone, the three agencies providing public mental health services in Shawnee County served over 13,000 people. 

Individuals experiencing mental illness, even when under active treatment, often lack the skills to advocate on their own behalf.  As a result, they may go without food, shelter, or utilities due to a lack of knowledge of who to contact, or where to go for help in emergency situations. Often they put themselves at risk of re-hospitalization when they attempt to deal with these situations alone.

About the Program

This is where the Consumer Assistance Program at Breakthrough House, Inc. can help. The Consumer Assistance Program serves as an advocate for individuals with mental illness. The program offers short-term emergency aid to help consumers work out solutions to their current problems and to help them avoid possible similar future situations.  The availability of existing community resources is discussed with consumers, and if appropriate, referrals to other agencies are made.  In addition, Breakthrough House, Inc. has been appointed by the Social Security Administration as a Representative Payee Organization, and as such is authorized to offer payee services to consumers receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits who need someone to manage their benefits for them.

Who Can Receive Assistance?

Through the availability of funding from multiple sources, the Consumer Assistance Program is able to offer emergency aid to residents of Shawnee County and the adjoining counties who are over the age of 18 years and have been diagnosed with a mental illness.  Eligibility for services and the extent of need are evaluated and determined on an individual basis.  A brief interview is conducted with the individual to determine their needs and how best to resolve their current emergency situation. Loss of income, a sudden decrease in income, or a sudden increase in living expenses beyond the individual’s means are among the factors considered in determining the need for Emergency Aid.

Services Offered

• Representative Payee Services—are available for consumers who are recipients of SSDI or SSI disability benefits and are required by the Social Security Administration to have a representative payee.  A beneficiary may choose Breakthrough House, Inc. as their payee from among a list of qualified organizations when they apply for their benefits.  Each beneficiary has his/her own bank account into which their benefit payments are directly deposited and from which payments are made on their behalf by the Breakthrough House, Inc. payee.  Together, the payee and the beneficiary develop a budget that will ensure that the beneficiary’s basic needs for housing, food, medication and other life necessities are being met, and the payee manages the beneficiary’s finances, accordingly.  Assistance is also provided to beneficiaries, as needed, with annual recertification of eligibility for food stamps, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• Rent/Mortgage Assistance—is available for the initial rental payment for individuals moving into a rental facility, and to qualifying individuals who have received an eviction notice or foreclosure warning.  This assistance is designed to prevent homelessness.  No assistance is provided for rental deposits.
• Medication Vouchers—may be provided to help ensure that individuals are able to purchase their psychotropic medication.
• Bus Tickets/Van Rides—transportation is available to individuals, when needed, to community resources such as attending case management appointments, etc. Discount bus fares and bus tickets are available to individuals at no charge.
• Dental Referrals—may be made to help individuals receive non-emergency dental care, if available.
• Food Baskets—an assortment of canned goods and staple foods are provided to individuals when in need.

Where Do I Apply?

Applications for Emergency Aid and/or Representative Payee Services may be made at the Breakthrough House, Inc. Administrative Offices located at 603 SW Topeka Blvd., Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66603.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (785) 232-6807. 

Donations

Donations for the food bank are greatly appreciated and needed.  The food bank can use any canned or boxed items.  Items especially needed are canned meats, vegetables, soups, crackers, and dry or canned milk.  Donations can be dropped off @ 603 SW Topeka Blvd., Suite 100 or arrangements can be made by calling 232-6807.