Types of Disability:

STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE (SDI)

To initiate a claim for State Disability benefits, obtain a State Disability Claim form (available from the Medical Correspondence Office (Disability Claims, 350 St. Joseph, Room 23; 833-2933), complete your portion of the form, and return it to the that same Office. The Medical Correspondence Office will have the Doctor’s Certificate portion completed by your physician, and then forward it to the State.

Disability checks are issued every two weeks, commencing approximately ten working days from date claim is received. Benefits begin on the 8th day following the date you first became disabled. In the event of hospitalization or outpatient surgery, benefits will commence on the first day hospitalized or the date of the outpatient surgery. You are entitled to draw state disability benefits for 12 months from date first disabled.

For further information, please contact:

State of California Employment Development Department Post Office Box 1857 Oakland, CA 94604-1857 (510) 577-2300

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

You are eligible to apply for Social Security disability as soon as you become disabled. Your local Social Security Office can advise you on the application process (this can be lengthy and we recommend you initiate your claim as soon as possible), as well as the amount of your monthly benefit.

For further information:

The Social Security Website offers extensive information regarding the entire Social Security disability process.

You may use their toll-free number: (800) 772-1213 or TTY (800)352-0778

Or apply in person at:

Social Security Administration:

1405 Fillmore Street

San Francisco, CA 94115

or

Suite 300

1569 Sloat Blvd

San Francisco, CA 94132

STATE DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION

The State Department of Rehabilitation offers retraining for patients who are permanently disabled from their usual occupation, but who wish to receive training for employment in a new field. Patients will continue to receive State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits while participating in a retraining program.

Family Medical Leave Act:

Family Medical Leave Act

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

* for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;

* for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster

care;

* to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a

serious health condition; or

* to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious

health condition.

Human Resources:

You may wish to contact your employer or Human Resources Department to inquire about possible disability benefits to which you may be entitled. If you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, you may also wish to contact your local union representative regarding possible benefits through your union.