All Resources Related to Disability Legal Issues
Tips and Tools for Protestors with Disabilities (Webinar Recording)
Rights and protections for protesters with disabilities
Military Sexual Trauma
For help with treatment and health care related to experiences of MST, please contact your local VA Medical Center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator.
Military Sexual Trauma
For help with treatment and health care related to experiences of MST, please contact your local VA Medical Center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator.
Facts about the Fiduciary Program
VA's Fiduciary Program was established to protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs.
Legal Issues for LGBT Caregivers
Without written protections in place, your "chosen family" will not be legally recognized, and could very easily be questioned or contested by a biological family member.
Who Will Manage My Finances?
Info about durable power of attorney for financial matters.
Labor Unions: Duty of Fair Representation
A union owes a duty of fair representation to all of the workers it represents. This duty requires that the union act fairly, impartially, and without ill will or discrimination when pursuing a worker"s grievance or when negotiating a new contract with the employer.
Undocumented Workers' Employment and Paid Leave Rights
With a few exceptions, undocumented workers enjoy all of the legal rights and remedies provided by both Federal and California law.
Information for IHSS Consumers in SF
Enrollment, timesheets, share-of-cost, deductions, benefits.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
About the CARE Act and CARE Courts
This guide has information about • What the CARE Act is • What CARE agreements and CARE plans are • CARE Act eligibility requirements for the petitioner and respondent • How to start CARE Act proceedings • Where to get help filling out a CARE Act petition • Process after filing the petition • Petitioner’s rights - What your rights are if you started CARE Act proceedings • Respondent’s rights - What your rights are if someone has started CARE Act proceedings for you
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
What is a Limited Conservatorship - California Courts
This resource downloads as a text document. You may need a text reader app to access this document on a mobile phone.
Emotional Support Animals and Housing Law
This information is from the California Civil Rights Department. These downloadable pages have information on what an emotional support animal is, what your legal rights are in your housing if you have an emotional support animal, and what to do if your landlord violates your rights.
About the CARE Act and CARE Courts
This guide has information about • What the CARE Act is • What CARE agreements and CARE plans are • CARE Act eligibility requirements for the petitioner and respondent • How to start CARE Act proceedings • Where to get help filling out a CARE Act petition • Process after filing the petition • Petitioner’s rights - What your rights are if you started CARE Act proceedings • Respondent’s rights - What your rights are if someone has started CARE Act proceedings for you
Assault and Battery in the Workplace
When there are fights between employees and supervisors or between two employees.
Disabilities in the Workplace: Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodations are changes made to a job or the workplace to enable an employee or job applicant to successfully perform the position"s basic duties,to protect health, and to obtain the same benefits of employment as other workers.
Disability Discrimination for Workers and Applicants
What kinds of protections and solutions are offered for people with disabilities? Your rights when applying for a job, interviewing, working on the job, resolving disputes, and taking leaves.
Disability Rights California - Publications
Browse through the statewide disability rights advocacy organization's publications, which cover many areas of the law.
Emergency Readiness Infographic
An infographic created from the results of a survey conducted in 2021.
Emotional Support and Service Animals
Where are they allowed and under what conditions? This older resource describes the ADA and how it addresses ESAs and Service Animals, but please verify any information with an attorney.
Emotional Support Animals and Housing Law
This information is from the California Civil Rights Department. These downloadable pages have information on what an emotional support animal is, what your legal rights are in your housing if you have an emotional support animal, and what to do if your landlord violates your rights.
Ensuring equal access for people with disabilities
Employment and housing discrimination.
Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act
A detailed explanation of what the law covers.
Fraud or Misrepresentation in the Workplace
What are some examples of fraud? How can I bring a fraud claim against my employer?
Know Your Rights - Disability Rights
People with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation, and exclusion. But federal disability rights laws can provide protection. (Updated October 2023 to reflect additions regarding online hiring and digital discrimination.)
Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace and the ADA
Legal issues around mental health conditions in the workplace and practical strategies that can be used to ensure ADA rights for people with psychiatric disabilities are realized.
Mental Health Publications
Consent rights, incompetence, rehabilitation, petitions, rights, and more.
Outline of Residents' Rights Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Outline of Residents' Rights, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Rights and Responsibilities of VA Patients and Residents of Community Living Centers
Nondiscrimination and Respect; Health Information and Privacy; Partnering in Care; Concerns or Complaints.
Rights for Individuals In Mental Health Facilities Admitted Under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act
Patients" rights law is composed of a complex and evolving system of statutes, regulations, and court decisions. This handbook should be considered a guide, but it may not accurately reflect all the rights available to persons at all times.
Tips and Tools for Protestors with Disabilities (Webinar Recording)
Rights and protections for protesters with disabilities
Undocumented Workers' Employment and Paid Leave Rights
With a few exceptions, undocumented workers enjoy all of the legal rights and remedies provided by both Federal and California law.
Veterans and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
There are several federal laws that provide important protections for veterans with disabilities who are looking for jobs or are already in the workplace.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman on Your Side
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman on Your Side
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants
Servicemembers and Veterans may be eligible for a one-time payment toward the purchase of an automobile, other conveyance, or adaptive equipment if you have certain service-connected disabilities.
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
BEST helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers.
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
Contact the Division of Workers' Compensation
Where to reach their offices for assistance.
Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors
Including veterans who have a compensation rating of 1% permanent & total.
e-VETS Resource Advisor
The e-VETS Resource Advisor assists Veterans, Service Members and all those who support them to quickly and easily navigate information and resources on a range of topics, including: benefits and compensation, education and training, employment, family and caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation and travel, other services and resources, state-specific information and resources.
Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
LTC insurance benefits may be part of a life insurance or annuity policy, or contained in a freestanding LTC policy.
Military OneSource
Get to know your benefits and prepare for the big stuff " deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement and more.
Temporary Disability State Benefits
How the temporary disability (TD) insurance program works.
Undocumented Workers' Employment and Paid Leave Rights
With a few exceptions, undocumented workers enjoy all of the legal rights and remedies provided by both Federal and California law.
VA Benefits Reference Guide
For quick reference, this guide categorizes benefits into three main categories: Work, Life, and Home.
VA Disability Compensation Claims Process
There are eight distinct steps that most claims for disability compensation follow.
Veterans Benefits Timetable
List of common veteran benefits and the time limit in which to apply for them
Answers about Workers' Compensation
Your employer's responsibilities, and different types of benefits
California State Disability Insurance (SDI): FAQs
The State of California administers the State Disability Insurance program, commonly referred to as SDI. It is a public disability insurance program that pays a benefit every other week.
Disability Rights California - Publications
Browse through the statewide disability rights advocacy organization's publications, which cover many areas of the law.
Disability Rights California - Self Help Guide for Tenants Facing Eviction
This guide is from 2021. Verify any information found in this guide with an attorney.
IHSS Video Series
These videos provide: a brief summary of the IHSS program, including basic eligibility criteria, the home visit process, available services and supports, and the care provider selection process; services and assessment; information on how an IHSS recipient/consumer may hire a care provider, including tips on how to find, interview, and select a care provider; and how to properly supervise a care provider, including suggestions on how to appropriately communicate with a care provider, how to maintain privacy and protect personal identifying information, and how to direct care providers in completing authorized IHSS tasks.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
SSDI Overpayments
This pamphlet, available in English and Spanish, describes SSDI Overpayments and the appeal and waiver processes.
Temporary Disability State Benefits
How the temporary disability (TD) insurance program works.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
Contact the Division of Workers' Compensation
Where to reach their offices for assistance.
Disability Employment Policy Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not addressed, please feel free to contact the Office of Disability Employment Policy at InfoODEP@dol.gov
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Resources
Getting help with your benefits and community based organizations.
Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF)
What are your rights as a worker? What Is the Underground Economy? Report a bad employer.
Military OneSource
Get to know your benefits and prepare for the big stuff " deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement and more.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
Protect Yourself from Fraud and Financial Abuse
Seniors: Protect yourself from fraud and financial abuse! Be vigilant, be observant. Physical or financial abuse will continue so long as no one knows about it.
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND)
Take advantage of the benefits VA offers OEF/OIF Veterans.
Transition Service Offices
Benefits counseling and assistance with filing initial claims for VA benefits.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman on Your Side
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR Types and Benefits. The Judicial Council of California has created a video series with descriptions of different kinds of dispute resolution and where each might be helpful.
Answers about Workers' Compensation
Your employer's responsibilities, and different types of benefits
Arbitration Agreements: Why They Should Be Prohibited In Admission Agreement
Arbitration Agreements: Why They Should Be Prohibited In Admission Agreement
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!
The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.
Assault and Battery in the Workplace
When there are fights between employees and supervisors or between two employees.
Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants
Servicemembers and Veterans may be eligible for a one-time payment toward the purchase of an automobile, other conveyance, or adaptive equipment if you have certain service-connected disabilities.
Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
BEST helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers.
California Long-Term Care Ombuds Programs: Assistance for People in Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resources in CA
California's Disability Insurance: A Video in ASL
American Sign Language (ASL) with English Captioning.
California State Disability Insurance (SDI): FAQs
The State of California administers the State Disability Insurance program, commonly referred to as SDI. It is a public disability insurance program that pays a benefit every other week.
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
Conservatorship Overview
Conservatorship types and the procedures and forms you need.
Contact the Division of Workers' Compensation
Where to reach their offices for assistance.
Disabilities in the Workplace : Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the major laws covering individuals with disabilities, do not affect your employer’s right to prohibit alcohol and illegal drug use at the workplace. Employment rules prohibiting such drug or alcohol use are permissible.
Disabilities in the Workplace: Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodations are changes made to a job or the workplace to enable an employee or job applicant to successfully perform the position"s basic duties,to protect health, and to obtain the same benefits of employment as other workers.
Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors
Including veterans who have a compensation rating of 1% permanent & total.
Disability Discrimination for Workers and Applicants
What kinds of protections and solutions are offered for people with disabilities? Your rights when applying for a job, interviewing, working on the job, resolving disputes, and taking leaves.
Disability Employment Policy Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not addressed, please feel free to contact the Office of Disability Employment Policy at InfoODEP@dol.gov
Disability Rights California - Publications
Browse through the statewide disability rights advocacy organization's publications, which cover many areas of the law.
Disability Rights California - Self Help Guide for Tenants Facing Eviction
This guide is from 2021. Verify any information found in this guide with an attorney.
Eligibility for State Disability Insurance- FAQs
Details about SDI major eligibility requirements.
Emergency Readiness Infographic
An infographic created from the results of a survey conducted in 2021.
Emotional Support and Service Animals
Where are they allowed and under what conditions? This older resource describes the ADA and how it addresses ESAs and Service Animals, but please verify any information with an attorney.
Emotional Support Animals and Housing Law
This information is from the California Civil Rights Department. These downloadable pages have information on what an emotional support animal is, what your legal rights are in your housing if you have an emotional support animal, and what to do if your landlord violates your rights.
Ensuring equal access for people with disabilities
Employment and housing discrimination.
e-VETS Resource Advisor
The e-VETS Resource Advisor assists Veterans, Service Members and all those who support them to quickly and easily navigate information and resources on a range of topics, including: benefits and compensation, education and training, employment, family and caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation and travel, other services and resources, state-specific information and resources.
Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act
A detailed explanation of what the law covers.
Facts about the Fiduciary Program
VA's Fiduciary Program was established to protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or due to age, are unable to manage their financial affairs.
Fraud or Misrepresentation in the Workplace
What are some examples of fraud? How can I bring a fraud claim against my employer?
How to File a Complaint Against a Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE)
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) How to File a Complaint
IHSS Video Series
These videos provide: a brief summary of the IHSS program, including basic eligibility criteria, the home visit process, available services and supports, and the care provider selection process; services and assessment; information on how an IHSS recipient/consumer may hire a care provider, including tips on how to find, interview, and select a care provider; and how to properly supervise a care provider, including suggestions on how to appropriately communicate with a care provider, how to maintain privacy and protect personal identifying information, and how to direct care providers in completing authorized IHSS tasks.
Information for IHSS Consumers in SF
Enrollment, timesheets, share-of-cost, deductions, benefits.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Resources
Getting help with your benefits and community based organizations.
Know Your Rights - Disability Rights
People with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation, and exclusion. But federal disability rights laws can provide protection. (Updated October 2023 to reflect additions regarding online hiring and digital discrimination.)
Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF)
What are your rights as a worker? What Is the Underground Economy? Report a bad employer.
Labor Unions: Duty of Fair Representation
A union owes a duty of fair representation to all of the workers it represents. This duty requires that the union act fairly, impartially, and without ill will or discrimination when pursuing a worker"s grievance or when negotiating a new contract with the employer.
Legal Issues for Caregivers: Pathways to Effective Communication For Healthcare Providers and Caregivers
Questions to ask at a medical appointment. Legal issues affecting caregivers.
Legal Issues for LGBT Caregivers
Without written protections in place, your "chosen family" will not be legally recognized, and could very easily be questioned or contested by a biological family member.
Legal Planning for Incapacity - Making Decisions When You Can't Speak For Yourself
What are the legal documents everyone should have to fulfill your wishes while you're alive and after you die?
Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
LTC insurance benefits may be part of a life insurance or annuity policy, or contained in a freestanding LTC policy.
Manage your health care with My HealtheVet
You can now manage your VA health care in the same place you manage your other VA benefits and services. Sign in to start using the new My HealtheVet experience on VA.gov.
Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace and the ADA
Legal issues around mental health conditions in the workplace and practical strategies that can be used to ensure ADA rights for people with psychiatric disabilities are realized.
Mental Health Publications
Consent rights, incompetence, rehabilitation, petitions, rights, and more.
Military OneSource
Get to know your benefits and prepare for the big stuff " deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement and more.
Military Sexual Trauma
For help with treatment and health care related to experiences of MST, please contact your local VA Medical Center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator.
New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims
Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.
Outline of Residents' Rights Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Outline of Residents' Rights, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Overview of Medi-Cal for Long Term Care
Medi-Cal vs. Medicare and resource limitations.
Personal Care Agreements: How to Compensate a Family Member for Providing Care
How to Compensate a Family Member for Providing Care
Protect Yourself from Fraud and Financial Abuse
Seniors: Protect yourself from fraud and financial abuse! Be vigilant, be observant. Physical or financial abuse will continue so long as no one knows about it.
Reflections on End of Life Care (Video)
This series explores end of life wishes, often incompletely expressed and honored.
Report Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse with Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services
Resource for End-of-Life Decisions
Sample forms for Advance Health Care Directive, Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, and Do-Not-Resuscitate orders.
Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND)
Take advantage of the benefits VA offers OEF/OIF Veterans.
Rights and Responsibilities of VA Patients and Residents of Community Living Centers
Nondiscrimination and Respect; Health Information and Privacy; Partnering in Care; Concerns or Complaints.
Rights for Individuals In Mental Health Facilities Admitted Under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act
Patients" rights law is composed of a complex and evolving system of statutes, regulations, and court decisions. This handbook should be considered a guide, but it may not accurately reflect all the rights available to persons at all times.
Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
SSDI Overpayments
This pamphlet, available in English and Spanish, describes SSDI Overpayments and the appeal and waiver processes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
How to apply for SSI and how to appeal rejection.
Temporary Disability State Benefits
How the temporary disability (TD) insurance program works.
Transition Service Offices
Benefits counseling and assistance with filing initial claims for VA benefits.
Understanding SSI Expedited Payments
Payments are quicker for presumptive disability (PD) or presumptive blindness (PB).
Undocumented Workers' Employment and Paid Leave Rights
With a few exceptions, undocumented workers enjoy all of the legal rights and remedies provided by both Federal and California law.
Using FMLA Leave to Care for an Adult Child with a Disability
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides job-protected leave from work for family and medical reasons, including to care for a child with a serious health condition. This fact sheet explains when workers may use FMLA leave to care for a child with a serious health condition if the child is 18 or older and incapable of self-care because of a disability.
VA Benefits Reference Guide
For quick reference, this guide categorizes benefits into three main categories: Work, Life, and Home.
VA Disability Compensation Claims Process
There are eight distinct steps that most claims for disability compensation follow.
Veterans and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
There are several federal laws that provide important protections for veterans with disabilities who are looking for jobs or are already in the workplace.
Veterans Benefits Timetable
List of common veteran benefits and the time limit in which to apply for them
What are Advance Directives?
A living will documents your wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life.
What is a Limited Conservatorship - California Courts
This resource downloads as a text document. You may need a text reader app to access this document on a mobile phone.
What is a Nursing Home in California
All nursing homes are not alike. There are several types of licensing and certification categories for nursing homes, which are described here.
Who Will Manage My Finances?
Info about durable power of attorney for financial matters.