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.

For a normal pregnancy benefits are usually payable for up to four (4) weeks before the expected delivery date and up to six (6) weeks after the actual delivery date.  Benefits may be payable for a longer period if your doctor certifies that  you have a specific complication related to the pregnancy; you have a Caesarean section; or you have another simultaneous disability.

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.

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.

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.

When you have stopped working and your doctor certifies that you are disabled, complete the claim form (DS-1) and mail it to this Division.  Do not file the claim before you stop working or before your physician says you are disabled.  If you file the claim while you are still working, or before the doctor certifies that you are disabled, your claim may be denied.

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.

Relief of muscular tension, especially in the lower back and hips, upper back, shoulders and neck ? Reduced stress on weight-bearing joints ? Enhanced body awareness for better posture and less discomfort ? Assistance with body mechanics and movement during structural change ? Support of birth process by relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth ? Ease of anxiety and stress during time of transition ? Emotional support and nurturing

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.

In short, if you earn income, or if the Administration thinks you have gotten healthy enough to work.

Policy provisions vary, as do the premiums depending upon which provisions you choose. Generally the policy will specify a maximum period of time it will pay for a covered disability. Typical policy terms are for two years, five years, or to age 65. If during that time you recover from the disability and return to work, the policy will provide that a new disability will start a new benefit period.

State Disability (SDI) is paid through the Employment Development Department (EDD) and is designed to provide payments to people who are medically unable to work for a short time, generally up to one year. It is similar to Temporary Disability. You cannot collect SDI and Temporary Disability at the same time. If you are hurt at work and your claim is put on delay, you can collect SDI during the delay.

Calcium is necessary for the development of your baby's bones and skeletal structure. Calcium is stored in the bones, so if you do not take enough during pregnancy, your baby will get it from your bones. Demineralization of the bones is called osteoporosis, which could leave you with bones that are brittle. Recent studies show that an additional benefit of calcium is a reduction in the risk of toxemia.