Working in Hawaii was initially a challenge since Hawaii is often looked at as a vacation destination. Under federal guidelines, Hawaii is classified as international travel thus creating difficulty in getting government, and other agencies to understand the importance of benefits training let alone the need to provide funding for training or education outside of the continental United States. Mr. Fortuño’s continued work over the years has greatly impacted the disability community in Hawaii. For example according to the Social Security Administration, 60-70% of all initial claims for disability benefits are denied. One agency in Hilo, Hawaii reported that since their completion of benefits trainings in 2003, ALL their initial applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have been approved on the first application for the last three years. The bottom line is that benefits education and training in the State of Hawaii has proven to have narrowed the benefits information gap, and reduced the needless struggle people face in trying to understand, and access essential benefits to maintain the best quality of life while living with a disability.

Native Hawaiian Community

With BEC on your team, you will understand the intricacies and complexities of the Disability Benefits System

Working in Hawaii was initially a challenge since Hawaii is often looked at as a vacation destination. Under federal guidelines, Hawaii is classified as international travel thus creating difficulty in getting government, and other agencies to understand the importance of benefits training let alone the need to provide funding

for training or education outside of the continental United States.

Mr. Fortuño’s continued work over the years has greatly impacted the disability community in Hawaii. For example according to the Social Security Administration, 60-70% of all initial claims for disability benefits are denied. One agency in Hilo, Hawaii reported that since their completion of benefits trainings in 2003, ALL their initial applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have been approved on the first application for the last three years.

The bottom line is that benefits education and training in the State of Hawaii has proven to have narrowed the benefits information gap, and reduced the needless struggle people face in trying to understand, and access essential benefits to maintain the best quality of life while living with a disability.

Over 10 Years Served

Daniel Fortuño began his work in Hawaii in 1988 providing benefit consulting to Ryan White Title II Case Managers, and their clients. Among this small group of providers Daniel had the wonderful opportunity to befriend, and work one-on-one with the Native Hawaiian Case Managers who at the time were part of the first demonstration project focused on Native specific HIV/AIDS Case Management. This project was funded through the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program, under the Ryan White CARE ACT. Daniel’s passion, sincerity and warmth along with his natural ability to “talk-story” made it easy for the Native Hawaiian community to embrace him. As a result of Daniel’s dedication, along with his extensive knowledge of public and private benefits, the HIV Community Based Organizations in the State of Hawaii have demonstrated incredible strides in benefits counseling, resulting in a high success rate in initial Social Security Insurance benefits claims.

During the over ten-year span of time that Daniel has conducted benefits consultation, and training in Hawaii, his network has extended to include collaborations with Papa Ola Lokahi, the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems, and Hawaii Primary Health Care Association. In addition, Daniel’s work has branched out to include the entire disabled community in the state of Hawaii.

Benefits Education Center

1031 Franklin Street, Suite 1106 · San Francisco, CA 94109

Phone 415-345-1725 · Fax 415-962-0417

email: info@benefitsec.com

Cancer HIV/AIDS Mental Health Native American, Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian Attorney and Professional Fiduciary