ComplaintsforBobby Dodd Institute

• Initial Complaint

  03/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am the beneficiary of a irrevocable special needs pooled trust that was set up over 19 years ago. Illegal changes and modification occurred. Recent information revealed mismanagement, theft, and fraud by this non profit organization that falsely claims advocating for the disabled. Request for accounting Transparency and advocacy have been ignored. This organization started as Ridgeview Institute aka ***************** trust aka all about disabilities aka Bobby **** aka GCT @BDI. Aka True link.

  Business response

  05/17/2023

  The ******* ********* ***** of BDI (GCT of BDI) manages Irrevocable Pooled Special Needs *****s. All trusts are established in compliance with ****************************** and **************** regulations, as such there are no changes made to individual accounts. The ******* ********* ***** of BDI as a Pooled Special Needs ***** must be managed by a non-profit entity, through the lifespan of the trust there have been two changes in the management of the trust. The first change occurred in 2015 when the founding non-profit Ridgeview Institute changed its status from a non-profit to a for-profit entity, management of the trust transitioned to ************************************ (AADD). Ridgeview Institute engage an external representative to represent the interest of the beneficiaries during this process and all beneficiaries were provided advance notice regarding the proposed changes along with contact information of the representative to address all concerns. This transition did not impact the specific trust agreements or make any modifications to the trusts themselves. In 2018 AADD merged with the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) another non-profit entity, and all beneficiaries were notified in advance of the merger. The merger did not impact the specific trust agreements or make any modifications to the trusts themselves.
  GCT of BDI maintains internal financial controls that are audited annually by a Certified Public Accountant to review for financial accuracy and policy compliance. GCT of BDI complies with all annual accounting reports to the ****************** of ********* Health the state entity that manages the ******* ******** Special Needs ***** implementation for the ****************, as well as complies with all IRS reporting. The *** and ******** external audits have consistently been found to be accurate and conform to all regulatory requirements, with no identified concerns regarding mismanagement,theft, or fraud.
  GCT of BDI utilizes a Special Needs ***** software system (True Link) that allows beneficiaries and their representatives transparent access to account information, transactions, and balances through a secure online account management system. Beneficiaries and their representatives can access the account through multiple platforms (PC, tablet, and smartphones)24/7. GCT of BDI also provides quarterly account statements mailed or emailed based on the beneficiary or their representatives preference, that lists all account information. Beneficiaries and their representatives can also call their ***** Services Case Manager Monday Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to address any concerns or issues.
  The process for establishing a trust occurs at the end of the settlement agreement process, in which case most beneficiaries have engaged an attorney to represent them in the Court system or to negotiate with the insurance company prior to the establishment of the *****. Once the Special Needs ***** is established no changes to the terms of the settlement can be altered, therefore GCT of BDI does not offer advocacy services for interactions with Annuity or Insurance Companies as part of ***** Services. BDI offers a wide array of programs and services for individuals living with disabilities including advocacy for benefits such as Social Security Income and ********,although these programs a separate from the ***** Services, internal referrals for individuals that need additional supports in these areas are made on an as needed basis. The Benefit Navigation Program has successfully secured over $280 million dollars in disability related benefits for individuals living with disabilities, through both Federal and State Programs, and continues to be an essential service to the disability community. 

  Customer response

  05/22/2023

  The terms and cost did change from the initial **** of Ridgview Institute of ****** per year period to ***** per month ..adm **** by Bobby ****, quarterly lawyer **** of 300.00.  (which was unnecessary as I could file taxes for free as SSD is non taxable and even including trust payments I was well below poverty line).  Cash portfolio ****, investment **** which well exceeded my ****** per month.  The lack of transparency and misleading and commission of information caused a loss of investment losses.  I was denied an advocate to negotiate the losses and **** charged. My lack of knowledge and the denial of representation caused multi violation.  

  Business response

  05/31/2023

  We understand that you still have concerns regarding the previous response we provided. We want to assure you that we have thoroughly addressed all the claims you presented in your initial message. We made sure to provide you with a comprehensive explanation and resolution to each issue raised.

  Customer response

  06/03/2023

   
  Complaint: 19617832
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  The True Link account does not match Bobby *******************.  In fact the trust requested reimbursements go through *************** and drop True Link..more attachments 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********************* (******)

  Business response

  06/05/2023

  The full accounting included all activity across all systems used by GCT from the account funding on December 17, **** up until March 9, 2023. Any activity after March 9, 2023 would not be reflected on the fully accounting report as it is a static report. The attachment provided reflects transactions up until June 5, 2023. Please request an updated full accounting report to *************************** at ********************************************** and an updated report will be provided within 10 business days. All requests for reimbursement are submitted to *************************** for processing as are subject to compliance with all federal and state regulations regarding Special Needs Trust Disbursements and available account balances. GCT of BDI utilized the True Link system as our trust services software solution and all activity including deposits, disbursements, and fees are entered into the True Link system for tracking and compliance monitoring. The True Link system also manages the disbursement process including sending checks, ACH, and wires based on the individual disbursement request. Once a request for reimbursement has been received, and reviewed for compliance the request will be entered manually into the True Link system for disbursement. This is the reason that transaction will still be visible in the True Link system. This also allows beneficiaries transparency into all transaction in their account and is available 27/7/365 through the beneficiary portal. 

  Customer response

  06/05/2023

   
  Complaint: 19617832
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ************************* and ******* were removed from handling my trust,  True Link is a debit card and accounting and confirm complaint.  Elderly and disabled persons exploitation is a criminal felony.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********************* (******)

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