Employment Assistance for Disabled Workers

California’s Unemployment Insurance Code, in Division 10, concerns employment assistance for workers with disabilities. Division 10 was added in 2002 by Chapter 1088.

UI Code Section 18000 provides that it is the purpose of the law to ensure that workforce preparation services provided through California’s one-stop centers, including information and services provided electronically, are accessible to employers and jobseekers with disabilities. In addition, it is the intent of the Legislature that one-stop centers provide appropriate services to individuals with disabilities to enhance their employability.

UI Code Section 18002 requires each local workforce investment board to establish at least one comprehensive one-stop career center in each local workforce investment area. These one-stop centers would be required to ensure access to services pursuant to federal law, and include services for persons with disabilities. UI Code Section 18004 requires the local workforce investment board to schedule and conduct regular performance reviews of their one-stop centers to determine whether the centers and providers are providing effective and meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the programs and activities of the centers and providers.

UI Code Section 18006 requires one-stop center counselor staff to provide accurate information to beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income and the State Supplemental Program and Social Security Disability Insurance on the implications of work for these individuals. The information would have to include referrals to appropriate benefits’ planners.

UI Code Section 18008 requires the Governor to ensure that evaluations conducted pursuant to federal law address how local one-stop centers provide specified services. UI Code Section 18010 requires the California Workforce Investment Board to report to the Governor and the Legislature on the status of one-stop services to individuals with disabilities and implementation of the federal Ticket to Work program in California.