THE MISSION of the Protection and Advocacy program for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) at University Legal Services (ULS) is to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the full rights and entitlements accorded to them by the Constitution, local, and federal law. Among these rights are the rights to self-determination, to be free from harm, to be afforded due process, to develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually, and to be included in community life with the opportunities and choices these rights imply.

The following priorities and objectives reflect ULS’ commitment to remove barriers to securing, maintaining, or regaining gainful employment for beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

1. Assist beneficiaries with disputes before the Social Security Administration (SSA) involving work-related benefit decisions that are clearly a barrier to securing, maintaining, or regaining gainful employment.

a. Advocate for correct application of work incentive programs related to SSI and SSDI, including trial-work periods (TWP), extended periods of eligibility (EPE), impairment-related work expenses (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), continuing Medicaid coverage, and other programs that can assist with employment.

b. Assist beneficiaries in disputes before SSA related to overpayments that impede beneficiaries’ ability to secure, maintain, or regain employment.

2. Advocate against employment discrimination that serves as a barrier to work for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries through direct representation, outreach and education, and alternative dispute resolution.

3. Assist beneficiaries in securing access to meaningful opportunities to prepare for employment that is consistent with their interests, preferences, and capabilities.

a. Provide technical assistance to Employment Network providers participating in the Ticket to Work Program regarding the rights of, and services and supports for, individuals with disabilities.

b. Advocate for access to Medicaid-funded, employment-related programs that lead to competitive employment at competitive wages.

c. Provide information, referral, and advocacy services regarding services and supports that may impact a beneficiary’s ability to obtain, maintain, or retain employment, including but not limited to transportation services, personal care assistants, childcare, assistive technology, and healthcare.

4. Conduct outreach and provide education and training to beneficiaries of Social Security, government agencies, employers and educators, and providers of transition services to inform them of the availability of work incentives and employment programs in both the public and private sectors.

5. Investigate and review complaints of improper and inadequate services provided to beneficiaries with disabilities by service providers, employers, or other entities involved in the return to work efforts.

CASE SELECTION CRITERIA

ULS accepts cases for Social Security beneficiaries who reside in the District of Columbia and whose complaint falls within the aforementioned priorities.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

While we recognize that every situation is important, please note that case acceptance is dependent upon available resources, including staff time. If your case is not accepted and you wish to file a grievance, please submit your grievance in writing to the Executive Director. Current clients may also submit a grievance to the Executive Director about the quality of ULS’ representation. A client may lodge an oral grievance with a ULS staff member who shall put the grievance in writing and submit it to the Executive Director. The Executive Director may be reached at:

Jane Brown, Executive Director
University Legal Services
220 I Street, N.E., Suite 130
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 547-0198 Phone
(202) 547-2662 Fax
(202) 547-2657 TTY

The Executive Director shall respond in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of a grievance from any client or prospective client, or community member who has an interest in the operation of the protection and advocacy program.

A grievant may appeal the Executive Director’s decision to the ULS Board of Directors within ten (10) days of the written decision of the Executive Director. The decision of the ULS Board of Directors shall be final and not subject to further appeal or review. Client confidentiality shall be maintained.

The Executive Director shall report grievances to the Board of Directors annually.