Legal Question in Social Security Law in California

I had to retire early from teaching because I lost my vision due to a cornea disease. I really need some sort of financial assistance but I contacted an attorney who told me that I was not eligible because I did not pay into Social Security the three years before I lost my vision. This doesn't make sense . SSI isn't even from social security it comes from a different entity and I have read and been told that whether or not you paid into social security has nothing at all to do with whether or not you can collect SSI. Please somebody.....this is not fair. I lose my vision completely...if that wasn't enough, and then I get denied SSI because I am a career teacher? Come on now! I need an attorney who can help me navigate through this.


Asked on 7/30/14, 9:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Teachers generally do not pay into Social Security. Instead, they use a separate system CALSTRS. You can check about State Disability which you might be eligible for. Also you should contact your union and find out what benefits to which you might be entitled. And, it's possible that you may have a workers compensation claim if the corneal disease was worsened by the work you were doing.

Good luck!

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Answered on 7/30/14, 10:21 am


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