Social Security Disability Information
If you are chronically ill, for example with hepatitis C, and unable to work, you may want to consider applying for Social Security disability. Applying does not automatically mean you will receive disability payments. Eligibility for Social Security disability is determined by the U.S. Social Security Administration. The determination of disability, in any situation, may take some time. You may need to apply more than once.
If you are preparing to apply for disability, it is important to keep original receipts and copies of all medical records, including doctor/clinic visits and receipts, pharmacy receipts, emergency room visits and receipts, participation in clinical research studies, etc.
You will also need to provide proof of a birth certificate and total household income and resources for the Social Security Administration to determine benefits eligibility.
Beginning April 1, 2004, application packages will be mailed out from, and all claims will be handled through, local Social Security offices.
For disability information, call the Social Security Administration toll free 1-800-772-1213. Appointments with a local Social Security office must be made through the toll-free number.
Applications may be requested through the Internet. The Social Security Administration Web site address is: www.socialsecurity.gov
Disability and Discrimination Assistance
Note: These are not Texas Department of State Health Services programs. The Texas Department of State Health Services is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any of these programs. We are merely informing you that these organizations and their programs are available.
TexasLawHelp.org
TexasLawHelp is a one-stop, online resource for free and low-cost civil legal assistance in Texas. They will provide answers to common legal questions, help you find free and low-cost legal assistance in your area, and help you with non-legal problems.
Civil rights, disability, housing, health, public benefits, work/employment are just a few of the categories of assistance listed on their Web site.
Their Web site address is: http://www.texaslawhelp.org/
The Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation
The Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984, administers funds to create community capacity to provide civil legal services for low-income Texans, also known as Legal Aid. The organization is committed to the vision that all Texans will have equal access to justice, regardless of their income.
Their Web site address is: http://www.txiolta.org/
Texas Commission on Human Rights
The laws prohibiting employment discrimination against persons with a mental or physical disability include the Texas Commission of Human Rights (TCHR) and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The TCHR can answer questions regarding discrimination of persons with disabilities.
For more information on the Texas Commission on Human Rights, call toll-free 1-888-452-4778 or toll free TTY, 1-800-735-2989 Texas Relay.
Their Web site address is: http://www.twc.state.tx.us
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal commission that investigates discrimination in employment.
The Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination and disabilities are:
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces all of these laws. EEOC also provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies. The Web site includes information on how to file charges of discrimination.
Their Web site address is: http://www.eeoc.gov/
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Their Web site includes information for contacting their 100 advocacy groups for disability.
For more information, contact:
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
1331 H Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-783-2229
Fax: 202-783-8250
E-mail: Info@c-c-d.org
Their Web site address is: www.c-c-d.org
|