Applying for Disability Benefits in San Bernardino County

Applying for Disability Benefits in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County offers a variety of disability benefits programs for residents who are unable to work due to a medical condition. These programs can provide financial assistance, medical care, and other support services. To apply for disability benefits, you will need to provide documentation of your disability, income, and expenses. The specific requirements for each program vary, so it is important to contact the appropriate agency for more information.

State Disability Insurance (SDI)

State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a program that provides temporary income replacement for California workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI is funded through employee contributions, and benefits are paid out through the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

To be eligible for SDI benefits, you must meet the following requirements⁚

• Be unable to do your regular or customary work for at least eight days.
• Have lost wages because of your disability.
• Be employed or actively looking for work at the time your disability begins.
• Have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during your base period.

The fastest and easiest way to file a claim is online through the EDD’s website, http://www.edd.ca.gov/. You can also file your SDI claim by mail. You will have to request that a copy of the application be mailed to you via the EDD website or by calling the EDD at 1-800-480-3287 (English) or 1-866-658-8846 (Spanish).

Once you have submitted your application, the EDD will review it and make a determination about your eligibility for benefits. If you are approved, you will receive weekly payments for a period of up to 52 weeks. The amount of your weekly benefit will depend on your average weekly earnings.

For more information about SDI, you can visit the EDD’s website or call their customer service line at 1-800-480-3287.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Benefits are a federal program that provides monthly income to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability. These benefits are available to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. To be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, you must meet the following requirements⁚

• Be unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Be unable to do your past work or any other substantial gainful activity.
• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time.

The application process for Social Security Disability Benefits can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to gather all of the necessary documentation, including medical records, work history, and financial information. You can apply for Social Security Disability Benefits online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Once you have submitted your application, the Social Security Administration will review it and make a determination about your eligibility for benefits. If you are approved, you will receive monthly payments for as long as you meet the disability requirements. The amount of your monthly benefit will depend on your work history and earnings.

If you live in San Bernardino and you want to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit the Social Security Administration’s website for more information about disability benefits.

General Relief

General Relief is a program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who are unable to meet their basic needs. General Relief is a county-run program, and the eligibility requirements and benefits vary from county to county. In San Bernardino County, General Relief recipients now receive $332 a month as an individual, which will grow to $504 a month starting in 2026. Applicants no longer have to attend an in-person orientation before applying. The county now accepts applications online and via mail or drop box.

To be eligible for General Relief in San Bernardino County, you must meet the following requirements⁚

• Be a resident of San Bernardino County.
• Have a low income and limited assets.
• Be unable to meet your basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for General Relief online, by mail, or in person at the San Bernardino County Department of Public Social Services. You will need to provide documentation of your income, expenses, and residency.

General Relief benefits are typically provided for a limited period of time, and recipients are required to participate in work or training programs to become self-sufficient. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Social Services offers a variety of resources and support services to help General Relief recipients achieve their goals.

For more information about General Relief in San Bernardino County, you can visit the San Bernardino County Department of Public Social Services website or call their customer service line at (909) 387-3500.

Disability Resources for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

San Bernardino County offers a range of resources and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities; These services are designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities live fulfilling and independent lives. The Inland Regional Center (IRC) is a non-profit organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. IRC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Developmental Disabilities; They offer a variety of services, including⁚

• Assessment and evaluation
• Individualized service plans
• Case management
• Residential services
• Day programs
• Employment services
• Community integration services

To be eligible for services from the IRC, individuals must have a developmental disability, such as autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or epilepsy. The IRC provides services to individuals of all ages, from infants to adults. To apply for services, individuals can contact the IRC directly; IRC offers a variety of resources and support services to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their goals.

The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health also offers a variety of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. These services include⁚

• Mental health services
• Substance abuse services
• Early intervention services
• Supported employment services
• Community support services

For more information about services for individuals with developmental disabilities in San Bernardino County, you can contact the Inland Regional Center at (909) 383-3500 or the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health at (909) 387-3500.

Contact Information for Disability Services

For individuals seeking information or assistance with disability benefits in San Bernardino County, there are several key contact points depending on the specific program or service required. Below are some of the primary organizations and their respective contact information⁚

• California Employment Development Department (EDD) ‒ State Disability Insurance (SDI)⁚
• Website⁚ http://www.edd.ca.gov/
• Phone⁚ 1-800-480-3287 (English), 1-866-658-8846 (Spanish)
• Social Security Administration (SSA) ⎼ Social Security Disability Benefits⁚
• Phone⁚ 1-800-772-1213
• Website⁚ https://www.ssa.gov/
• San Bernardino County Department of Public Social Services ⎼ General Relief⁚
• Phone⁚ (909) 387-3500
• Website⁚ https://www.sbcounty.gov/dsss/
• Inland Regional Center (IRC) ‒ Disability Resources for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities⁚
• Phone⁚ (909) 383-3500
• Website⁚ https://www.irc.ca.gov/
• San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health ⎼ Disability Resources⁚
• Phone⁚ (909) 387-3500
• Website⁚ https://www.sbcounty.gov/dbh/

For specific inquiries related to disability insurance provided by the county, contact MetLife, the county’s disability provider, at 1.855.229.7305 from 5 a.m. to 8 p;m. PST, Monday to Friday, or file a claim online at mybenefits.metlife.com.

It’s crucial to note that this information is provided for general guidance and may not encompass all available resources. For the most up-to-date and specific information, it is recommended to contact the relevant organizations directly.

Other Resources

In addition to the primary disability benefits programs and contact information provided, San Bernardino County offers a range of other resources and support services for individuals with disabilities. These resources can provide valuable assistance with various aspects of daily life, including⁚

• Legal Assistance⁚ The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino County provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, in various legal matters, including benefits eligibility and appeals.
• Transportation⁚ The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) offers a variety of transportation services for individuals with disabilities, including paratransit services, which provide door-to-door transportation for those who are unable to use traditional public transportation.
• Housing⁚ The San Bernardino County Housing Authority provides affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. They offer various programs and resources, such as rental assistance and housing counseling.
• Employment⁚ The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board offers employment services for individuals with disabilities, including job training, job placement, and support services to help individuals find and maintain employment.
• Support Groups⁚ Various organizations and community centers in San Bernardino County host support groups for individuals with disabilities and their families. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences, connecting with others, and accessing resources.

It is crucial to remember that this list is not exhaustive, and many other organizations and resources may be available in San Bernardino County to assist individuals with disabilities. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and contact the appropriate agencies or organizations directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

By accessing these resources and support services, individuals with disabilities in San Bernardino County can navigate their challenges, access essential benefits, and improve their overall quality of life.