The dispute resolution procedures in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, apply to any beneficiary/recipient who assigns a ticket to a State VR agency. Thus, SSA will not be involved in resolving disputes between a beneficiary/recipient and a State VR agency.

Under the dispute resolution process of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, beneficiaries/recipients and State VR agencies can resolves their disputes by formal mediation, an impartial hearing, or civil action. Also, beneficiaries/recipients can receive State P&A services under the Client Assistance Program (CAP) and State VR agencies must advise beneficiaries/recipients of the availability of these services.

If a beneficiary/recipient who has assigned a ticket to a State VR agency contacts a field component to complain about the services the State VR agency is providing, advise the individual to contact their State VR agency or a CAP specialist in their State's P&A system.