Yes.  As long as you are no longer using illegal drugs and you are being treated for the substance abuse in a program with a licensed physician, you may collect disability benefits.  Your physician must certify that you are disabled, and you must meet all other eligibility requirements. No. Coverage under an approved Private Plan replaces State Plan coverage.  Since you are not covered by the State Plan, you cannot be paid State Plan benefits, even if you continued to be disabled.

Yes.  Eligibility for temporary disability benefits due to pregnancy is determined in the same manner as for any other disability.  You must meet the wage requirements and your physician must certify that you are disabled.  For more information, see our web page entitled Pregnancy.

Work-related injuries or illnesses are not compensable under the Temporary Disability Benefits Law.  However, if you file a claim for workers' compensation benefits and it is contested by the workers' compensation insurance carrier, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits while the workers' compensation issues are being resolved.  To protect our subrogation rights, we would file a lien against any subsequent workers' compensation award.

If your disability begins on or after the start of the labor dispute in which you are a participant, disability benefits will not be paid for the duration of the dispute.  If you are still disabled after the labor dispute is over, benefits can be paid for the period following the ending date of the labor dispute.

Generally, unless they are covered by certain regulations (such as the Department of Transportation’s alcohol and drug testing rules for employees in safety-sensitive positions) employers have a variety of options for how to deal with an employee who has an alcohol or drug problem. It is important to note that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) does not have regulatory authority over such issues.

Answer: If you have an alcohol or drug problem, you can contact SBADP's administrative office at (805) 681-5440 for assistance in locating a service provider in your area or search our website for local alcohol or drug treatment services.

If you are receiving Workers' compensation benefits, you should consult an attorney before you file an application for pension benefits. The Workers' compensation insurance company is entitled to receive a credit for any pension benefits to the extent that those benefits were funded by your time of injury employer. If you defer collecting your pension, you may be able to collect larger benefits later on and may be able to settle your Workers' compensation case on favorable terms.

Not anymore. There never were all that many people getting Social Security disability benefits on account of alcoholism or drug addiction, but Congress has now prohibited Social Security from paying disability benefits on the basis of alcoholism or drug addiction. However, alcoholics and drug addicts have heart attacks, get cancer or get sick in other ways just like everyone else.

Yes. If your disability is a direct result of alcohol or drug abuse that is continuing in nature and reversible if you cease use of these substances, then you will be ineligible to receive benefits under the “Contract with America Advancement Act” signed on 3/29/96. Please note that the use of drugs or alcohol must be the only or primary disability.

Answer: Treatment services are available for teens in our community. Each area of the county has a Youth & Family Treatment Center to serve youth with substance abuse problems and provide counseling to their families. SBADP contracts with the following agencies to provide youth & family treatment:

Denial is certainly part of the recovery process and is to be expected. Addicts and alcoholics are rarely honest when it comes to describing their drug or alcohol use, especially when speaking with loved ones. Regardless of the person's initial motivation, lack of willingness or lack of honesty, if they will go to treatment, take them. One of the primary responsibilities of the treatment team is to deal with patient resistance. There are not very many people who like change.

If you are totally disabled from all forms of employment, it is theoretically possible for you to receive wage-loss benefits for the rest of your life. This, however, is unlikely to occur. If your injury occurred after June 24, 1996, and you have received one hundred and four weeks of total disability benefits, the company has the right to require you to submit to a medical examination to determine the extent of your permanent impairment.

I would talk to an attorney before filing, but you can file yourself, too. As soon as you become disabled, and are working erratically or not working, you may apply for disability at any Social Security office. You may also apply by phone. The best way to start is to call 1-800-772-1213. Most people who are comfortable writing answers find that a telephone appointment is the easiest way to file. If you are not comfortable with a lot of writing, set an appointment to apply in person.

If you have been told by a physician that you have pneumoconiosis or other lung problems, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for any compensation from the Federal Government. The Federal Black Lung Benefits Program is completely separate from the State Workers’ Compensation programs. Some miners may qualify for one program and not the other.

Yes.  A portion of disability benefits is considered taxable income for both the Federal Income Tax and FICA (Social Security).  The portion of the benefits payment that is taxable is that portion attributable to the employer's disability contribution.  The worker's share of FICA is deducted from State Plan benefit payments.  The employer is liable for the employer's share of FICA.  Federal income tax is withheld only if requested by the claimant.

Members who are injured in the line of duty are eligible to receive a disability benefit of at least $300 a month for as long as the member is unable to perform his/her duties.

The sedatives used for sedation will show up in blood tests for several days. If your job requires random drug testing and you need a written excuse for work, let the doctor know.

Answer: If you are currently living with someone or concerned about someone with an with an alcohol or other drug problem, you can contact Al-Anon (805) 899-8302. You may also contact our Youth and Family Treatment Centers. Each of these programs works closely with families experiencing what you are. To find out more about contact:

BENEFITS PAYABLE TO FAMILY MEMBERS BASED ON THE RECORD OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISABLED, DECEASED OR RETIRED For some of these benefits, the family member has to be disabled; for some, he or she does not. Click on a question to get an answer.