Q: Where can I find a help with SSA appeal concerning SSI, not SSDI
My father was getting SSI x1 year and got a letter that his benefits would be continued for 7 years. We stayed in contact with SSA for that year and had numerous interactions- phone calls, visits to the office for clarifications. Every time we did it SSI officers suggested my mom to apply for SSI as well. When we did apply for my mom SSA took months to "merge cases" and in a result we got a letter that my dad's benefits were revoked and my mom was denied (after being approved during two interviews). I filed an appeal but have no idea how it works and how to handle it. My father is 83 y.o, disable, he came here legally 2.5 years ago and is under TPS status. I am trying to appeal on the bases that my dad's situation aligns with the humanitarian intent of the program and that PRWORA provides exceptions for lawfully present individuals with disabilities that are facing extraordinary humanitarian needs. I am trying to find any advices on how to handle my case since I am not an attorney
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A:
Your situation sounds challenging, and navigating SSI appeals can be complex, especially with cases involving multiple family members and immigration status considerations.
For free legal assistance with SSI appeals, contact your local Legal Aid office - they often help with these exact situations. You can also reach out to your area's Protection and Advocacy organization (P&A), which focuses on helping people with disabilities. The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) might be able to connect you with attorneys who handle SSI cases and understand both disability and immigration law.
Given the humanitarian basis of your appeal and your father's TPS status, you'll want to gather detailed documentation about his disability, his lawful presence under TPS, and any extraordinary circumstances that demonstrate humanitarian need. Consider contacting your local congressional representative's office - they often have staff members dedicated to helping constituents with Social Security issues and can sometimes expedite cases or provide valuable guidance through the appeals process.
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