Benefits &
Work Services

Program Highlights

If you are experiencing challenges accessing public benefits, or have questions about the variety of benefits options, you are not alone. Managing public benefits is difficult for anyone, and it is even more challenging for people living with HIV/AIDS. APLA benefits and insurance counselors are here to help you navigate the system and maximize your public benefits options. And when you are ready to return to work, APLA’s Work Services Program can help you resume your career without sacrificing your health care benefits.

What We Do

Benefits staff can help APLA clients with a variety of public benefit programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medi-Cal, General Relief and food stamps. Staff can also assist with and accept applications for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). When you’re ready to return to work, staff provides one-on-one counseling to Social Security beneficiaries on work incentive programs; referrals to Vocational Rehabilitation and the California Employment Development Department; and online education and job training resources.

You may also access additional resources from our Work Services staff.

Hours / Location

Contact

For more information or to make an appointment with a benefits counselor, please call 213.201.1365

Eligibility

Benefits, insurance counseling and work services are available to anyone with HIV-related benefits issues.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Public Benefits

Public Benefits Fact Sheet: Information about Social Security Disability Insurance; Supplemental Security Income; Presumptive Eligibility; and the application process.

Facts and Tips About Public Benefits: State Disability Insurance; Social Security Disability Insurance; Supplemental Security Income; Medicare; Medi-Cal; General Relief; Food Stamps and other programs.

Presumptive Disability: Information about Presumptive Eligibility to receive SSI while your application is being considered.

Social Security Planner: Detailed information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income(SSI), the application process, eligibility requirements, and COBRA and OBRA extension of group health insurance.

Comparison of Requirements for SSDI, SSI and SDI:
A chart comparing the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Disability Insurance (SDI).

Comparison of Benefits for SSDI, SSI and SDI:
A chart comparing the benefit amounts, waiting periods and duration of benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Disability Insurance (SDI).

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP):
Detailed information about: The Program; Eligibility in California; Enrollment; Levels of Coverage; Additional Services; Special Program Notes. Please note: APLA is an enrollment site for ADAP.

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Private Insurance

Private Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Read this before reading the discussion pages or posting a question, to see if the answer to your private insurance question is found here.

Viatical Settlements: Information about selling your life insurance.

Medical Insurance

Keeping Health Insurance When Leaving Work: Information about COBRA, OBRA and CARE/HIPP.

Medi-Cal Insurance Benefits

Applying For Medi-Cal: General information on who can apply, who is eligible and what is covered.

Medi-Cal Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP): Information about Medi-Cal HIPP (Health Insurance Premium Payment) program, which pays private health insurance premiums for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Medi-Cal Checklist: Information on what documents to bring in order to apply.

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Social Security Administration

The Social Security Adminstration (SSA) also maintains a Web site with additional information about SSA programs. Click here to visit the site.

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California Employment Development Department

The California Employment Development Department (EDD), which administers State Disability Insurance and unemployment in California, maintains a Web site with additional information. Click here to visit the site.

Benefits & Work Services Web Pages Disclaimer

The Department's expertise largely pertains to HIV related benefits and insurance issues. Some of the information in these pages is specific to California residents. However, federal insurance laws, Social Security application processes, etc. are the same no matter where you live, and apply to the general public as well as to people affected by HIV.

The information in these pages is not legal advice. It is, instead, the accumulated knowledge that comes from years of serving the HIV affected community, their friends and family. For legal advice, you must consult an attorney about your specific situation.

If you want a direct, confidential answer, please call APLA at 213.201.1365 and ask to speak to a benefits counselor.

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Additional Resources

Click here to access additional information regarding public benefits in the state of California.

If you have questions about APLA, becoming a client or about any of the services we offer, call us at 213.201.1600 during normal business hours or send an e-mail. We are happy to help.

The Get Help section of this Web site includes:

• Eligibility Requirements for Programs & Services
• Programs & Services
• Registration Forms