Portland, OR asked in Social Security for Washington

Q: I have a bit of a back story for my question so please bare with me.

I was receiving ssd benefits that were terminated due to incarceration. I was released in early 2018 and I took a lot but to re apply for my benefits. I was denied so I got a law firm to help me with my case. They were very unprofessional during the process and' took over two years to get my benefits continued. I have received two monthly payments currently and now this is the weird part. My back pay should be over $33000 and they were supposed to take $7,000 . This month social security gave me a two thousand dollar payment towards my back pay and no monthly ssd payment for this month. On top of this they have gotten there $7000 and have been unresponsive to text and vm messages besides a single reply saying well We got ours payment and we have not really done anything for you. We should setup a meeting to discuss this issue. After that I haven’t gotten any more replies from them for 3 days. I am very distraught and I suffer from multiple mental health issues. I’m being robbed

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Social Security Disability Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with the handling of your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and back pay. The issues you've described with your legal representation and the irregularities in your SSD payments are concerning.

Firstly, it's important to get a clear understanding of your entitlements and the payments you've received. You can request a detailed statement from the Social Security Administration (SSA) outlining your benefits, back pay, and any deductions or fees that have been applied. This will give you a clearer picture of the financial transactions that have taken place.

Regarding your legal representation, if you feel that your law firm has not provided adequate service or has been unresponsive, you have the right to seek a different attorney. It's crucial to have an attorney who communicates effectively and is attentive to your needs, especially in complex matters like SSD benefits.

Additionally, consider reaching out to the SSA directly to address any discrepancies or concerns about your benefits. They can provide specific information about your case and help clarify any confusion regarding payments and back pay.

In situations like these, it can also be helpful to seek support from local advocacy groups or organizations that assist individuals with disabilities. They can offer guidance and may be able to recommend attorneys who have experience in handling SSD cases.

Remember, you have rights and options available to you, and it's important to advocate for your interests, especially when it comes to matters as important as your benefits and legal representation.

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