Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS) is the independent, private, nonprofit organization designated by the governor of to advocate for and protect the rights of people with disabilities in . MPAS services include information and referral, short-term assistance, selected individual and legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training. The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security program resides within MPAS. Call Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service at 800.288.5923 or TTY). There is no charge for the services we offer. The Social Security Administration has reviewed this publication for technical accuracy; however, this should not be considered an official Social Security Administration document. This brochure is funded 100% by the Social Security Administration. Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. • 517.487.1755 • 800.288.5923 517.374.4687 (TTY) Fax 517.487.0827 Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security
Receiving Social Security Benefits? Would You Like to Work? Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) assists people with disabilities who: Receive SSI or SSDI (Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance) and Want to return to work or to enter the workforce for the first time Have concerns Social Security benefits Have problems getting workplace accommodations Have complaints about employment service providers Feel they are experiencing workplace discrimination Need to understand their rights in the employment process PABSS Staff Provides: Advocacy PABSS staff advocates for Social Security beneficiaries who want to work. We can help you get workplace accommodations and assist you in accessing vocational rehabilitation services. We will also help you get the community supports and services you need to find employment or to keep your current job. Information and Referral We provide information and referral to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries and their families about community service providers, employers, Employment Networks (ENs), state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and disability support groups. Technical Support We help beneficiaries, employers, and community service agencies understand federal and state laws pertaining to disability and employment. We teach beneficiaries how to ask for workplace accommodations. We also advise employers on how to provide these accommodations. Education We provide training to individuals and groups on the Ticket to Work program, Social Security Work Incentives, employment rights, and much more. Support Services We review, investigate, mediate, and help beneficiaries resolve complaints about inadequate or inappropriate services through employment service providers, employers, and community support providers. The program works in collaboration with Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) agencies in . These WIPAs can help you develop a return-to-work plan and explain how working will affect your Social Security benefits. This written plan explains how working could affect your SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare and other benefits. WIPAs can also help you establish a relationship with an employment network, , or your local Michigan Rehabilitation Services, or Michigan Commission for the Blind office. Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Organizations for The following organizations can help you understand your Social Security benefits and how employment affects your benefits. Eastern and Northern : United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) 800.828.2714 Central and Southern : The ARC 800.292.7851 Wayne County, including the City of : Goodwill Industries of Greater 888.232.4140 Lapeer, and : United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) 800.827.4843