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California Disability Retirement Lawyer

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Seeking Disability Retirement Benefits In California

For those who are part of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) or one of many other county-based retirement systems, you may be eligible for disability retirement benefits if the combined effects of your disabilities preclude you from being able to do your job. When you meet with us, we will evaluate your situation for all possible claims, including Disability Retirement, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, and Employment Law claims. Many people have multiple claims, some of which they may not even know exist. For instance, someone may think they have a personal injury claim without realizing they have a potential workers’ compensation claim as well. We’ll make these distinctions during your free consultation.

If we determine that you have a disability retirement claim during your free consultation, we will inform you of your rights, and connect you with a top tier firm who specializes in your particular type of disability retirement claim, while also making sure you’re aware of other claims you can pursue.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT BENEFITS?

If you are a governmental employee and have a medical condition that makes it impossible to perform your job or a modified or alternative job with your same employer, you may be eligible for disability retirement benefits.

Are You Eligible For Disability Retirement Benefits?

Depending on which retirement system you are a part of, you may be eligible for different amounts of payment, depending on whether your disability is related directly to your employment. For instance, county employees may be eligible to receive service-connected disability retirement benefits if their disability was caused by their job. The difference between service-connected and non service-connected disability benefits is:

  • Service-connected disability benefits entitle you to at least 50 percent of your wages and these benefits are nontaxable
  • Non service-connected disability benefits entitle you to approximately one-third of your wages and those benefits are taxable

The amount you receive will vary, depending on your length of service. Because different systems calculate payments and time served along different measures, having the help of a lawyer may prove invaluable when applying for these benefits.

Reinstating You To Your Position

If the Retirement Board finds that you are not eligible for disability retirement benefits, you may be reinstated to your position with accommodations made for your disability, along with back pay and benefits. Do not accept a service retirement pending an evaluation of your disability retirement application. If you accept the service retirement, you may lose your eligibility for reinstatement to your former position. We can help you determine your best course of action and help connect you with the best person to help you pursue those claims.

Call Or Email Our Attorneys Today

Call 805-214-8888 at Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld or contact us online to come in and talk to us about your situation. We will help you receive all of the benefits to which you are entitled.

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