Social Security Administration Perpetrates Massive Fraud

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has perpetrated a fraud on a very vulnerable segment of the U.S. population by intentionally applying a major part of the Social Security Act, known as the Medical Vocational Guidelines (at 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpt. P, App. 2) to claimants who have non-exertional impairments.  The Medical Vocational Guidelines apply to strength – lifting and carrying.  However, the SSA has been applying these guidelines when assessing claimants with psychiatric impairments only.

The SSA relies on its ruling, SSR 85-15 which states it is in accord with a Minnesota District Court, but overlooks a U.S. Supreme Court, Heckler v. Campbell, 461 U.S. 458 (1983).  Click to read PWDF’s Court Filing relating to this issue.

Supreme Court Decision Affects Victims of Disability Discrimination

In the Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller ruling, the Supreme Court denies plaintiffs the right to seek emotional damages in disability discrimination cases. Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller, No. 20-219 U.S. (2022).

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant’s disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney’s fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF’s educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.