PABSS
Objectives & Priorities 2010
The Mission of the Protection and Advocacy program for Beneficiaries of
Social Security (PABSS) at University Legal Services (ULS) is to provide
advocacy and other assistance to beneficiaries of Social Security Disability
Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to remove barriers to
securing, maintaining, or regaining gainful employment
OBJECTIVES:
A. Assist beneficiaries with disputes before SSA involving work-related benefit decisions that are clearly a barrier to securing, maintaining or regaining gainful employment.
1. 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.
2. Assist beneficiaries in disputes before the Social Security Administration related to overpayments that impede beneficiaries’ ability to secure, maintain or regain employment.
B. Advocate against employment discrimination that serves as a barrier to work for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries, though direct representation, outreach and education, and alternative dispute resolution.
C. Assist beneficiaries in securing access to meaningful opportunities to prepare for employment that is consistent with their interests, preferences and capabilities.
1. Provide technical assistance to Employment Network providers participating in the Ticket to Work Program regarding the rights of, and services and supports for, individual with disabilities.
2. Advocate for access to Medicaid-funded and Rehabilitation Service Administration-funded employment-related programs that lead to competitive employment at competitive wages.
3. 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.
D. 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.
E. 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, and advocate for remedies
of such complaints where appropriate.
CASE SELECTION CRITERIA:
ULS accepts cases of those who are:
1. Social Security beneficiaries and whose complaint falls within the
aforementioned priorities; and
2. Cases in which the client is a resident of the District of Columbia;
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 DC, 20002
(202)547-0198 Phone
(202)547-2662 Fax