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Basic Employment Laws
   Learn the Facts on Saving and Investing (Separate Website)
Do you know how much money you’ll need to maintain your family’s current standard of living in retirement? If the answer is No, you’re not alone. A recent national survey found that more than half of working Americans have never determined the amount of money they’ll need to live comfortably in retirement.
By: Georgia Secretary of State
  
   
   Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Separate Website)
PBGC was created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to encourage the continuation and maintenance of voluntary private pension plans, provide timely and uninterrupted payment of pension benefits, and keep pension insurance premiums at a minimum. Defined benefit pension plans promise to pay a specified monthly benefit at retirement, commonly based on salary and years on the job.
By: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Railroad Retirement Insurance System
The Railroad Retirement Insurance system provides retirement, disability and survivors benefits under rules approximately the same as for Social Security. There is also a supplemental retirement annuity and, for some people, the possibility of collecting both Railroad Retirement and Social Security benefits.
By: Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services
  
   
   Retirement and Survivors' Benefits (Separate Website)
Almost everyone who lives in the United States is affected by the Social Security system—either by working and paying Social Security taxes or by receiving Social Security benefits. Social Security benefits are paid to workers and their eligible family members when the worker retires or becomes disabled. Survivors benefits can be paid to eligible family members when a worker dies. This fact sheet tells you about retirement and survivors benefits.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Armenian / Հայերէն , Chinese / 中文 , Creole / Kreyòl , French / Français , Italian / italiano , Korean / 한국어 , Polish / polski , Portuguese / português , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español , Tagalog / Tagalog , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Retirement Benefits This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This website has information about Social Security Retirement Benefits.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Retirement Plans, Benefits & Savings Information (Separate Website)
A pension plan is an employee benefit plan established or maintained by an employer or by an employee organization (such as a union), or both, that provides retirement income or defers income until termination of covered employment or beyond. This web site contains: (1) Consumer Information on Pension Plans, (2) Types of Retirement Plans, (3) Compliance with federal law, such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), (4) Employer Responsibilities, (5) Pension Plan Participant Rights, (6) Rights to Plan Information, (7) Retirement Savings, and (8) Small Business Pension Plan Options and much more.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
   Securities and Business Regulation Division (Separate Website)
The Securities and Business Regulation Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's Office protects Georgians from investment, cemetery and pre-need funeral services/merchandise, charity and telemarketing fraud by registering and regulating: securities offerings, securities firms, securities salespeople, investment advisors, charities, charitable fundraisers, and cemeteries and pre-need funeral services/merchandise.
By: Georgia Secretary of State
  
   
   Social Security Benefits Calculator (Separate Website)
This page has three calculators that you can use to try to estimate what your social security will be when you retire.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Veterans' Survivors' Benefits
If your spouse, parent, or child was a veteran that has died, you might be eligible for benefits. This document is a list of them.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
 
  
   
   What is Elder Abuse?
Provides information and resources for victims of elder abuse.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
 
  
   
   When You Retire From Your Own Business: What You Need to Know (Separate Website)
Provides basic information from the Social Security Administration on retirement for owners of businesses.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Your Social Security Number and Card (Separate Website)
Frequently asked questions about your Social Security number and card.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Drug Testing and Privacy at Work
This document discusses the basic employment laws relating to drug testing and privacy at work, excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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Discrimination at Work
  Race Discrimination
 
   Affirmative Action (Separate Website)
For federal contractors and subcontractors, affirmative action must be taken by covered employers to recruit and advance qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. Affirmative actions include training programs, outreach efforts, and other positive steps. These procedures should be incorporated into the company’s written personnel policies. Employers with written affirmative action programs must implement them, keep them on file and update them annually.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
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  Age Discrimination
 
   Age Discrimination (Separate Website)
This page provides answers to a number of questions about age discrimination in the workplace.
By: Workplace Fairness
  
   
   Age Discrimination Laws and Information
This document describes your rights under federal and state laws covering age discrimination. It explains the process to follow and provides information on how to make a claim.
By: Elder Law Committee of State Bar of Georgia
  
   
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  Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
 
   Americans with Disabilities Act - Answers to Common Questions (Separate Website)
The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. This web page is designed to provide answers to some of the questions asked most often about the ADA.
By: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  
   
   Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act (Separate Website)
If you are seeking a job or are new to the workforce, you should become familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), a federal civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination and enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society. One fundamental principle of the ADA is that individuals with disabilities who want to work and are qualified to work must have an equal opportunity to work. This brochure, from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission answers questions you may have about your employment rights under the ADA.
By: EEOC
  
   
   Americans with Disabilities Act (Separate Website)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. The ADA also establishes requirements for telecommunications relay services.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
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  Other Forms of Discrimination
 
   Federal Protections Against Discrimination Based on National Origin This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This document explains federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on a person's national origin, race, gender, color, disability, religion, or familial status.
By: U.S. Department of Justice

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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   How to File a Discrimination Charge (Separate Website)
This web page shows you how to file a discrimination charge if you believe you have been discriminated against when applying for a job or while on the job.
By: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Whistleblower Rights This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Provides basic information on laws that protect whistle-blowers.
By: U.S. Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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  Basic Facts
 
   Basic Rights on the Job in Georgia
This document discusses the basic employment rights including rights regarding wages and hours, harassment, safe working environments and labor unions, excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Employment Discrimination This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
The Department of Justice – Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) is a federal agency division that investigates employers charged with discrimination based on national origin and citizenship status.
By: U.S. Department of Justice

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Equal Employment Opportunity Information (Separate Website)
Equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws prohibit specific types of job discrimination in certain workplaces. This web site contains information about (1) federal laws relating to: Age Discrimination, Disability, Ethnic/National Origin, Color, Race, Religion, and Sex; (2) Federal Financial Assistance Programs, (3) Veterans, and (4) Immigration.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
   Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination (Questions and Answers) (Separate Website)
This webpage lists frequently asked questions and answers about federal laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against their employees and applicants for their jobs.
By: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Getting Uncle Sam to Enforce Your Civil Rights (Separate Website)
This resource describes where and when to file your complaint if you believe that you have been discriminated against and want to file a complaint with the Federal Government.
By: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Know Your Rights on the Job Q & A This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
A publication by the National Council of La Raza to help safeguard Latinos in the workplace, Know Your Rights on the Job Q & A. The format of the Q & A is designed to educate Latino employees on their rights and how to combat common forms of discrimination often experienced by this group.
By: Georgia Legal Services Program®
 
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   How to File a Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
This website provides instructions on filing a discrimination complaint with The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the Department of Homeland Security.
By: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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Employment and Armed Services
   Education Benefits for Veterans and the Military (Separate Website)
The Education Service administers a large number of education benefit programs, including: (1) Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (2) Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve, (3) Veterans Educational Assistance Program, (4) Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program and (5) a Work Study Program. This web site contains information about each of these programs, forms, and much more.
By: Department of Veterans' Affairs
  
   
   Know Your Rights on the Job Q & A This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
A publication by the National Council of La Raza to help safeguard Latinos in the workplace, Know Your Rights on the Job Q & A. The format of the Q & A is designed to educate Latino employees on their rights and how to combat common forms of discrimination often experienced by this group.
By: Georgia Legal Services Program®
 
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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Ending a Job (Termination, Layoffs, Quitting)
  Basic Information
 
   Ending a Job
This document discusses the following questions: What happens if you are fired or laid off from your job or if you quit? What happens if you become ill or are injured and cannot work? What is sick leave and how is it covered? What happens when you retire? What is a pension? What is Social Security? The document is an excerpt from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Get Assistance Concerning a Layoff or Closure (Separate Website)
Explore options and resources available to employers anticipating a business closure or mass layoff, as well as to those trying to avoid a layoff situation.
By: Georgia Department of Labor
  
   
   Know Your Rights on the Job Q & A This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
A publication by the National Council of La Raza to help safeguard Latinos in the workplace, Know Your Rights on the Job Q & A. The format of the Q & A is designed to educate Latino employees on their rights and how to combat common forms of discrimination often experienced by this group.
By: Georgia Legal Services Program®
 
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   What to Do If You Lose Your Job This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
Explains "at will" employment and basic requirements for receiving unemployment benefits in Georgia.
By: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc.
 
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) (Separate Website)
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) was enacted on August 4, 1988 and became effective on February 4, 1989. WARN offers protection to workers, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of covered plant closings and covered mass layoffs. This notice must be provided to either affected workers or their representatives (e.g., a labor union); to the State dislocated worker unit; and to the appropriate unit of local government.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
   Workers Guide to Advance Notice of Closings and Layoffs This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
Overview and FAQs for Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notification Act (WARN).
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
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  Health Care
 
   Continuation of Health Coverage — COBRA (Separate Website)
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. Qualified individuals may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
   Health Care and Managing Changes (Separate Website)
Whether you’re changing jobs, having a baby, or helping a parent, you can’t afford to lose your access to good medical care. Here you’ll find articles to help you manage these transitions.
By: National Health Law Program (HealthCareCoach.com)
  
   
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  Whistlerblowers
 
   Whistleblower Rights This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Provides basic information on laws that protect whistle-blowers.
By: U.S. Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Filing Corporate Whistleblower Complaints This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
This fact sheet outlines how to file a whistleblower complaint under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which governs corporations. It details how to file complaints, as well as protected activities, contents of the complaint, and other important information
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
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Immigration and Work
  Basic Immigration Information
 
   Basic Immigration Law
This document contains basic information about immigration law in the United States, answering the following questions: Where do U.S. immigration laws come from? What agencies administer U.S. immigration laws? Who gets U.S. citizenship? What are the immigration rules that allow non-citizens allowed to be in the U.S.? What are the ways that a non-citizen can immigrate to the U.S.? How can you change your legal status under U.S. immigration law? How do non-citizens lose their immigration status? How do you become a U.S. Citizen? Once you become a naturalized U.S. citizen, can you lose that status? The document is excerpted from An Introduction to Law in Georgia, Fourth Edition, published by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, 1998 (updated 2004).
By: Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Immigrants and Employment (Separate Website)
This link includes articles about immigrants and employment originally published in the National Immigration Law Center newsletter.
By: National Immigration Law Center
  
   
   Immigrants' Eligibility for Unemployment Compensation This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Fact sheet for immigrant worker advocates. This NELP fact sheet thoroughly explains eligibility requirements for immigrant workers in order to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Please consult an attorney to get an evaluation of your claims. The document is PDF format.
By: National Employment Law Project (NELP)
  
   
   Immigration Basics - Overview (Separate Website)
This web page explains basic information about immigration classifications in the United States and describes the process for adjusting your classification.
By: The American Immigration Law Foundation
  
   
   Beware of Dishonest Immigrant Consultants This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
Recent immigrants who don't speak English fluently are easy prey for dishonest people who pretend to help them. This brochure, by the National Consumer Law Center helps you protect yourself against dishonest immigrant consultants.
By: National Consumer Law Center

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Korean / 한국어 , Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español , Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
  
   
   Electronic Visa Application Forms (Separate Website)
Welcome to the Electronic Visa Application Forms Instructions Page. Forms available on this page can be filled out on-line and assist in the processing of your application.
By: U.S. Department of State

    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Compliance Assistance (Separate Website)
The Immigration and Nationality act sets forth the conditions for the temporary employment of Aliens in the United States. This web site contains the laws, regulations and compliance guides for employers hiring immigrants in the U.S.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
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  Tax ID and Certification
 
   Foreign Labor Certification (Separate Website)
Hiring foreign workers for employment in the U.S. normally requires approval from several government agencies. Certain visa categories first require employers to seek labor certification through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Once the application is certified (approved), the employer must petition the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) for a visa. Approval by DOL does not guarantee a visa issuance. The Department of State (DOS) will issue a visa number to the foreign worker for U.S. entry. Applicants must also establish that they are admissible to the U.S. under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This site provides information to assist an employer in preparing a labor certification application in any one of the several employment-based visa programs.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
  
   
   Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers (Separate Website)
Are you temporarily in the United States to work? If you are, your employer will ask for your Social Security number. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government. Social Security numbers can be assigned to foreign workers who are authorized to work in the United States.
By: Social Security Administration

    Read this in: Chinese / 中文 , Creole / Kreyòl , Spanish / Español
  
   
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LegalAid-GA.org provides general information only. This is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. You can get legal advice only from a lawyer.  Deadlines are extremely important in most legal matters. You may lose important legal rights if you do not hire an attorney immediately to advise you. Viewing this web site or sending an e-mail message through this web site does NOT create an attorney-client relationship.

Copyright and Use Notice

This material is copyrighted by the authoring organization or individual. Legal information can change rapidly. Provided links are kept updated, permission is given to link to this material from a nonprofit, court or government website. Website material may be printed, copied and distributed only in its original format for non-commercial, informational purposes. The material may not be altered from its original format. Reproducing the material to promote a commercial purpose is expressly prohibited. Commercial enterprises are expressly forbidden from linking to our material or using our material in other ways. Legal Aid and GLSP are not liable for the distribution of out-of-date material or links. To inquire about appropriate use of this material, please contact 404-524-5811.

 

Information Not Legal Advice

LegalAid-GA.org provides general information only. This is not legal advice and cannot replace legal advice. You can get legal advice only from a lawyer.  Deadlines are extremely important in most legal matters. You may lose important legal rights if you do not hire an attorney immediately to advise you. Viewing this web site or sending an e-mail message through this web site does NOT create an attorney-client relationship.

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