Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)

The Legal Services of Central New York PABSS program provides services to individuals residing in the following counties: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins. If you do not live in one of these counties and believe you are eligible for services under the PABSS program, you can view the full list of New York State PABSS offices, or contact CQC at 1-800-624-4143.

Legal Assistance to Individuals Available Under the PABSS Program

• Disputes involving Employment Networks under the Social Security "Ticket to Work" program.
• Employment Discrimination based on disability such as an employer's refusal to hire because of a disability, failure to provide a reasonable accommodation to a disability, termination of employment because of a disability, or illegal inquiry by an employer into a disability.
• Problems with training or educational services such as disputes with the New York State Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individual with Disabilities (VESID), or over the failure of a college, university, or adult education program to provide services for discriminatory reasons such as because of a disability.
• Problems accessing public transportation because of a disability when the transportation is needed to get to work.
• Problems obtaining durable medical equipment, assistive technology, medication, or other disability related services if necessary to enable an individual to maintain or gain employment.
• Consumer debt problems related to obtaining employment or receiving wages from employment such as possible wage garnishments because of a money judgment or credit card debt.
• Overpayment of Social Security Administration benefits if the overpayment is over $1,500 and due to the individual's earnings.
• Problems with wages and work conditions if impeding the ability of the individual to maintain employment.

Depending on the nature and merits of the case, the PABSS program may provide counsel and advice, assist an individual with filing a complaint with an administrative agency such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or represent an individual in New York State or Federal court. The ability of the PABSS program to represent an individual in a case is also dependent on commitment to current clients and the availability of program resources.

In some cases, the PABSS program may refer or provide information to an individual about another agency. The PABSS program can also answer basic questions about Social Security work incentive programs and make referrals to the Social Security Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) program in your area.

Services Available to Advocates, Service Providers, and Other Attorneys

The PABSS program offers training, technical assistance, and information to service providers, disability advocates, and other attorneys on issues involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York Human Rights Law, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Medicaid Buy-In program, the rights of consumer debtors, and laws concerning vocational rehabilitation services. The program can also create new legal training programs on topics related to individuals' with disabilities attempt to maintain or achieve employment.

If your organization would like to schedule a training program, has a question about the laws listed above, or would like a PABSS staff attorney to speak to your group or organization about the PABSS program and other the legal services available to individuals with disabilities at Legal Services of Central New York, please contact us at the address or phone number listed below.

Contact the Legal Services of Central New York PABSS Program

Any individual eligible to receive SSDI or SSI benefits, or receiving continuing Medicare or Medicaid (under section 1619(b)) benefits, who resides in one of the counties listed above, and who faces a legal issue impacting a return to work or continued work, can contact the Legal Services of Cental New York PABSS program at:

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This page was last updated October 10, 2006.