What is the minimum wage for disabled workers?

In California, the minimum wage for disabled workers is the same as it is for all other workers: $13.00 an hour. This rate increases to $15.00 an hour starting on January 1, 2021 and will increase each year until it reaches $15.00 an hour in 2023. The California Labor Code allows for disabled workers to be paid a lower wage rate than the minimum wage. However, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) prohibits employers from paying disabled employees a lower wage than the minimum wage unless the employee receives a special certificate from the DOL. This special certificate is only granted to employers who can demonstrate that the individual is unable to perform the function of the job at the minimum wage rate, and that the employee has significant physical or mental disabilities. Additionally, employers must prove that the pay rate for the disabled employee is based on their productivity, not the disability. In short, the minimum wage for disabled workers in California is the same as it is for all other workers. However, employers may be able to pay disabled employees a lower rate with the proper certification from the DOL.

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