Can Alcoholics Apply for SSDI Benefits?

Can alcoholics apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? The answer depends on the disability the alcoholic is applying for.

If the alcoholic is applying for benefits due to his or her alcoholism, he or she cannot be entitled to the benefits. However, if he or she is applying for benefits due to a different disability other than being alcoholic.

Alcoholics need not to apply but…

Since 1996, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has not welcomed people applying for SSDI benefits due to alcoholism. According to SSA, alcoholism per se is not considered a serious medical condition but the conditions alcoholism cause may be considered serious illnesses. Hence, alcoholics who are suffering from serious illnesses due to their excessive alcohol intake can apply and be entitled for SSDI benefits.

Applying for SSDI in Los Angeles

Los Angeles citizens who are suffering from alcoholism-caused disability can file for Los Angeles social security disability benefits. However, they must remember that applying for disability benefits is not easy due to the complex and lengthy processes they need to go through. Hence, it is advisable for disability benefits claimants to ask for assistance from a disability attorney who can guide them throughout the application process.

People intending to apply should remember some important key points before formally submitting their application with the SSA, and these are:

Keep all medical records and documents – Applicants should secure and keep all medical documents that prove their disability; otherwise, they cannot be granted with benefits.

Follow medical treatment schedule – The SSA is very particular with applicants’ medical treatment; hence, if the applicant fails to have his or her disability treated or rehabilitated, chances are, his or her application will be turned down.

Hire a legal representative – If your disability makes it difficult or impossible for you to process your application, then you should hire a legal representative who can do it on your behalf.

3 Common Workplace Problems and their Solutions

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Offices are usually packed with office politics and employment issues. If you are a Los Angeles office worker, chances are, you have encountered or are experiencing one or two office issues that affect your work performance. If so, it would be best to know the possible solutions to your work-related problems.

The following are the three of the most common problems Los Angeles office workers experience and the possible solutions to such:

Problem: Workplace gossips

Possible solution: If your coworkers or supervisors often subject you to malicious or fabricated gossips, the best thing you could do is to stay away from the issue. Avoid disclosing unnecessary information about your personal life so that your office-mates cannot use any of your personal information against you.

If the gossips are already affecting your work performance, you may seek assistance from your office’s HR personnel to resolve the issue.

Problem: Discrimination

Possible solution: If you are being subjected to workplace discrimination based on your sex, disability, age (if you are 40-years-old or older), race, color, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin, you have a claim for discrimination lawsuit. Under the law, employees have the right not to be subjected to employment discrimination. Hence, if you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

You can also seek legal assistance from a Los Angeles employment lawyer who can help you file your complaint and guide you if the complaint reaches court hearing.

Problem: Sexual harassment

Possible solution: Los Angeles employees who are being sexually harassed by their coworkers, supervisors, or employers are advised to file a complaint with the EEOC or the DFEH. Under the law, sexual harassment is considered employment discrimination based on a person’s sex. Sexual harassment victims are advised to get help from employment lawyers to make sure that their case is given due attention and solution.

Laws Protecting California Muslim Workers from Religion Discrimination

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Employment discrimination against a person’s religion is against the law. In the State of California, there are two laws prohibiting employers to discriminate against employees and applicants based on their religious affiliation, beliefs, and practices. They are:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Under this federal employment law, employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited to discriminate against workers and job applicants based on their religious creed and practices.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – This California State law makes it unlawful for employers with five or more employees to discriminate against workers and applicants based on their religious affiliation and practices.

Unfortunately, despite the prohibition of religion discrimination in the workplace, such employment bias is still prevalent in the country. According to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), in 2011 alone, 4,151 religion discrimination complaints were received by the agency.

Muslim workers and applicants in California are not “discrimination-proof”. Hence, Muslim employees and job seekers must know beforehand their rights against religion discrimination. Under Title VII and FEHA, Muslim workers and applicants should not be subjected to discriminatory acts like:

Termination – It is illegal for California employers to fire an employee only because he or she is a Muslim.

Demotion – Employers cannot demote a Muslim worker on the grounds of his or her religion or religious practices.

Denial of application – Denying a qualified applicant’s application only because he or she is a Muslim is against Title VII and FEHA.

Deprival of employee benefits – Employers who are covered by FEHA or Title VII are not allowed to deprive an employee with rightful benefits because of his or her religion.

California Muslim workers and applicants who were discriminated based on their religious belief and practices have the right to file a claim against their employers. Discriminated workers and applicants can file a formal complaint with either the EEOC or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). These two government agencies have the faculty to investigate religion discrimination complaints and to file a lawsuit against non-complying employers.

It is also advisable for religion discrimination victims in California to hire competent employment law attorneys who can assist them in filing a formal complaint with the concerned agencies or a lawsuit against the liable employers.

California Muslim workers and applicants must know their rights under California employment laws to avoid being subjected to workplace bias. Meanwhile, California workers must understand and practice their responsibilities under employment statutes to avoid legal troubles.