Getting Legal Assistance
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to helping people with disabilities get back into the workforce while protecting their public benefits. The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) provides information about vocational rehabilitation and employment services, and advocates for services that a disabled beneficiary may need to secure or regain gainful employment.
PABSS, also known as Protection and Advocacy (P&A), is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. There is a PABSS in every state and United States territory. The network of PABSS organizations represents the nation’s largest provider of legal advocacy services for individuals with disabilities. If you receive Social Security benefits, there is no charge for PABSS services.
PABSS organizations provide information, referrals and technical assistance for:
- The Ticket to Work program
- Work Incentives
- The Massachusetts Medicaid Buy-In program called CommonHealth
- Vocational Rehabilitation services
- Employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Job accommodations under the ADA
- Access to medical care as it relates to employment
- Access to transportation as it relates to employment
PABSS in Massachusetts
PABSS services in Massachusetts are provided by the Disability Law Center, Inc., a private nonprofit organization that receives state and federal funding. The Disability Law Center has offices in Boston and Northampton and can be contacted by calling toll free 1 (800) 872-9992 or by email to mail@dlc-ma.org
Other Resources for Legal Assistance
Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income individuals in Boston and 31 surrounding cities and towns.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute is a nonprofit legal services support center that represents low-income individuals, elders, and people with disabilities throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Office on Disability is a state agency that provides information, referrals and advocacy for housing, transportation, education, employment and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
