What is PABSS?

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) is a program for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on disability or blindness.

We provide advocacy to help you get or keep a job. Our purpose is to protect your right to secure or regain employment.

Who can get PABSS services?

People with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI and:

• Need help returning to work
• Have questions about their benefits when returning to work
• Have problems getting workplace accommodations
• Have complaints about employment service providers, employers, or other organizations involved in return-to-work efforts
• Experience workplace discrimination

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Why should I consider working?

Because you may be able to:

• Increase your income
• Increase your independence
• Expand your choices for living
• Expand your community involvement
• Develop new goals

What will happen to my benefits if I return to work?

The PABSS program works with Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPA&O) Project Specialists. They can help you plan for changes in your benefits caused by getting a job.

They will also help you understand programs that will gradually reduce your benefits as you reach self-sufficiency.

This information will help you decide how and when you can go to work.

A BPAO Specialist can be reached at 1-866-250-7974.

If you want our help...

• Call any Co-Ad office. We will help you apply for services over the phone.
• Write to any Co-Ad office. Tell us your issue and how we can contact you.
• Visit any Co-Ad office.

What is Co-Ad?

Co-Ad is Idaho's Protection and Advocacy System for people with disabilities. Co-Ad is a nonprofit agency founded in 1977. We receive federal grants to protect the rights of people with disabilities through advocacy and legal services.

How Can Co-Ad Help?

• Information and Referral

• Short Term Assistance

• Administrative Remedies

• Negotiation/Mediation

• Legal Services

• Education and Training

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PABSS Program services are provided free of charge.

This publication is made possible by a grant from the Social Security Administration