PABSS.htm

PABSS Program Description

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)

This program was born out of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. The sole purpose of the PABSS program is to serve beneficiaries of Social Security on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The focus of this program is to protect beneficiaries' rights to obtain, maintain, or retain employment.

We would like to hear your opinion on how we are doing this work.

Click here if you would like to fill out a satisfaction survey about a particular situation that you have spoken to us about.

Click here is you would like to know about our client grievance procedure.

Click hear to read our program brochure.

Below is a description of our planned emphasis for 2008 - 2009. Please email (to info@thegao.org) or mail (to 150 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430, Decatur, GA 30030) your comments, suggestions, or questions. We welcome your comments on our work throughout the year.

Program priorities are:

Priority 1: To advocate for individuals with disabilities who are beneficiaries of Social Security to secure and maintain gainful employment so that they may gain greater independence and community involvement, and through that visibility prevent the abuse and neglect of those individuals with disabilities.

- Objective 1: To advocate on behalf of individuals who are subject to abuse and neglect in segregated workplaces.

- Objective 2: To advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable individuals to receive appropriate vocational rehabilitation services in order to become qualified for opportunities in competitive employment, supported employment, or self-employment.

- Objective 3: To advocate for appropriate transition services for students who are transitioning from school to higher education or employment.

Priority 2: To advocate for individuals with disabilities who are beneficiaries of Social Security from discrimination and legal rights violations related to employment.

- Objective 1: To advocate for employers to provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and the employment period.

- Objective 2: To provide information and resources regarding the Ticket to Work, Employment Networks, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Projects.

- Objective 3: To advocate for individuals who have been determined to have been overpaid by the Social Security Administration and repayment of the overpayment is a barrier to employment.

Priority 3: To advocate for the integration of individuals with disabilities into their communities through collaboration with individuals with disabilities, employers, and other stakeholders in employment support services throughout Georgia.

- Objective 1: Develop a sustainable training program for individuals to learn self-advocacy skills to seek employment services, to request reasonable accommodations, and to counsel peers on using their Ticket to Work.

- Objective 2: Coordinate with employers, State agencies, and employment support providers to ensure that best employment practices are being offered to all individuals with disabilities throughout Georgia

- Objective 3: To disseminate materials to explain the Ticket to Work, vocational rehabilitation services, and Employment Network Services to individuals with disabilities throughout Georgia.

This program is funded by a grant made available by the Social Security Administration and is managed by the Georgia Advocacy Office.