Published August, 2011
California Public Benefits Issues for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients: A Guide for Attorneys and Advocates, (Nat’l Ctr. for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco, Cal. and Legal Services of N. Cal., Sacramento, Cal.), Aug. 14, 2011
Prepared by the National Center Lesbian Rights and Legal Services of Northern California, this guide provides an overview and study of California and federal law for attorneys and advocates who are assisting LGBT clients with public benefits issues in California. While this paper does not offer step-by-step instructions for applying benefits law, it instead examines the unique issues that the LGBT community can face when applying for and trying to receive benefits in the state. These issues can arise from areas such as conflicting federal laws, gender classifications, definitions of family relationships and parentage, and the guide provides practice tips for attorneys and advocates in order to combat such problems. Topics covered in this guide include, but are not limited to: Social Security, Medi-Cal, Medicare, health insurance coverage for transgender people, income assistance and financial programs, state unemployment, and Veteran's benefits.
Copyright Information: CHLP encourages the broad use and sharing of resources. Please credit CHLP when using these materials or their content. and do not alter, adapt or present as your work without prior permission from CHLP.
Legal Disclaimer: CHLP makes an effort to ensure legal information is correct and current, but the law is regularly changing, and the accuracy of the information provided cannot be guaranteed. The legal information in a given resource may not be applicable to all situations and is not—and should not be relied upon—as a substitute for legal advice.