Disability Rights in California 2013

by on December 7, 2016

by Brad Myler

 

Due to local demographic and cultural factors, California hosts a remarkably large population of social activists. These activists work tirelessly to benefit members of minorities and other disadvantaged groups. California often leads the nation in protecting the rights of the disabled. For example, California was the first U.S state to feature widespread accessibility ramps for wheel-chair bound citizens. Also, California’s lawmakers provide supplemental incomes for individuals as they wait for Social Security disability hearings.

Despite these promising developments, disabled residents of California still face many unique challenges. Many with disabilities face difficulties receiving help for legitimate economic and medical problems. Commentators have applauded the skillful protectors of disability rights California residents work with. Whether employed by government agencies or private entities, case workers and social workers do their part to protect the rights of the disabled.

When unfairly denied official disabled status, people need to show initiative and contact disability claims attorneys. Qualified lawyers have plenty of experience helping their clients receive their rightful benefits. In 2013, some of the most prestigious law practices in California specialize in disability rights. Better yet, these attorneys often offer their services without requiring up-front payments of any kind. Instead, disability claims handlers usually work in return for small percentages of back pay. Back pay is a kind of implied trust that builds up monthly and is paid in full upon the granting of disability claim approval.

SSI applications accrue back pay from the dates of their initial applications. SSDI recipients can receive back pay for months prior to their application dates. When filing for SSI or SSDI, Californians with disabilities need to understand important back pay rules. In 2013, awarded back pay cannot exceed two years’ worth of insurance payments. In many cases, this amount can add up to more than ten thousand dollars. In most cases, SSI claimants with larger back pay sums receive their pay in two or three large checks. SSDI recipients almost always receive their back pay in one lump sum.

Numerous political commentators have noted the strong commitment to disability rights California lawmakers have demonstrated. State government officials regularly pass laws to protect disabled residents from undue hardship. Whatever their Social Security status, individuals with disabilities should closely monitor California disability law. Occasionally, legal changes create new ways for people to seek economic redress under the law. In California and around the nation, the best disability claims attorneys do much to push legal systems towards greater fairness.