1.
Check
to see if you paid into the State Disability system – California is unique in
that it has a State Disability system. Most States do not. Assuming you have
paid into it, the State will provide a disabled individual economic benefits
for up to one year. These benefits are administered through the Employment
Development Department (“EDD”). Please
note that the State has strict timeframes for applying, so if you are disabled
Californian, please contact the State at http://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/
as soon as possible.
2.
Check
to see if your employer sponsored a Long-term Disability policy for you – Some
companies include Long-term Disability policies in their benefits packets.
Often, employees do not even realize that they have these policies in place to
help protect them in the event they become disabled. If you are not sure
whether you had a Long-term Disability policy through your former employer,
contact the Human Resources (“HR”) department for that employer. HR will be able to confirm whether your benefit
package included a Long-term Disability policy.
3.
Contact
other Federal, State and County programs to see if you may qualify for their
benefit programs – Depending on your assets, you may be able to qualify for General
Relief, food stamps, government housing, and/or In-Home Health Services. Contact the administrators of these programs
to determine your eligibility.
