Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Public Benefits legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Public Benefits Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Identity Theft, Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: Im unable to access my credit and social security, IRS profile accounts ; how can I update & secure my personal info?

I have lost access to email accounts associated with the recovery, password reset and/ or two-step verification process...

Seeking advise/ information in regards to updating and securing personal information; identity scam prevention.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 22, 2024

To regain access to your credit and Social Security, IRS profile accounts, you need to update and secure your personal information. Start by contacting the relevant agencies directly via phone or their official websites to explain your situation. They can guide you through the process of verifying... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: I received a letter from my disability claim stating they are closing my file. Wish to be removed as payer on record.

I filed a claim they rarely gave me any info about the status of claim. They continued with stating they withdrew from being my representative. In addition, they wished to be removed as the payer on file for any fees paid, plus waiving their right to all rights or claims to a fee relative to claim.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 19, 2024

When you receive a letter stating that your disability claim file is being closed and your representative wishes to withdraw, it generally means they will no longer manage your case. They will not be responsible for handling any aspects of your claim moving forward. Additionally, they are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: my application for victim's compensation was denied because they say dog bites are not included.

The owner of the dog fled the scene on camera, and I'm not sure if the license plate can be discerned.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 18, 2024

Under California law, victims of dog bites may be eligible for compensation under certain circumstances. While dog bites themselves are not explicitly listed as qualifying for victim's compensation, you may still have legal options. When a dog owner flees the scene after an incident, it can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Public Benefits and Business Law for California on
Q: I have a question about about an EDD claim back in 2020. I am self employed and may have incorrectly filed the claim.

Back in 2020. I filed an unemployed claim but wasn't sure I was eligible since I was self employed and have my own S-Corp. I filled out the forms retroactively. I inadvertently told EDD that no income was received by me for those 2 retroactive months. After I hit submit, I realized that I was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 1, 2024

This is a complex situation that involves unemployment insurance claims, self-employment, and potential errors in reporting. Here's a breakdown of the key points and some general advice:

1. Potential incorrect filing: You filed an unemployment claim in 2020 as a self-employed...
View More

Q: I submitted a "Grievance" report to ECHO homeless center's management, on June 27th, 2024; No word back. FTC,and Lawyer?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 29, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's a concise response to your situation:

1. Timing: It's only been about 2 days since you submitted your grievance (as of June 29, 2024). Many organizations have policies that allow for a certain number of business days to respond.

2....
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Collections and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Ok what if my lawyer says that he didn't represent me that I'm impersonating to stop calling them??
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 17, 2024

If your lawyer is claiming that they didn't represent you and accuses you of impersonation, you need to take immediate action to clarify the situation. Start by gathering any documentation or evidence you have that shows the lawyer-client relationship, such as emails, signed agreements, or... View More

Q: Can I go on short-term disability while my employer is not allowing me to work in the situation I describe below?

My contracting company told me not to work while my contract is pending budget approval with the client. They said they would have an answer about the status of my contract by "the start of next week." I replied and asked HR if I still have health insurance while my contract is pending.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 5, 2024

In California, short-term disability insurance (SDI) is a state-mandated program that provides partial wage replacement for employees who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. To be eligible for SDI, you must have paid into the program through payroll... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How does it work when you have to repay the state disability you've received from a workers compensation settlement?

How does it work when you have to repay the state disability you've received from a workers compensation settlement? Does the repayment start from when you file workers compensation or would you have to repay everything from when you first began receiving disability? Also some of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 30, 2024

Under California law, when you receive a workers' compensation settlement, you may be required to repay the state for the disability benefits you received during the period covered by the settlement. This is known as the "SDI reimbursement" process. Here's how it typically... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Can I sue Fresno Housing authorities for denying me low income project-based housing assistance based on criminal record

Is that a worker told me that I'm not denied or approved and I explained to her that I am homeless and that I've been waiting for the past 8 years on this wait list trying to get a house or roof or me and my child's head and she told me that she's going to be watching the case... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 28, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that you are in a difficult situation and have been waiting for housing assistance for a long time. California law does provide some protections for individuals with criminal records seeking housing, but the specific circumstances of your case would need... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Family Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: My children& I live in low-income housing for 3 years now. When I moved in I filled out all the vawa paperwork, gave the

Property Management a copy of the court ordered stay away from to different individuals that I have documented DV cases with. We have a call box at the front door. We where using my brothers name instead of mine. Within the last few weeks and without warning my brothers name is gone and they have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 24, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the situation you and your children are facing. Given the removal of your brother's name and the listing of your name and apartment number, it's crucial to act quickly to protect your safety.

Firstly, contact the property management immediately to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Public Benefits and Personal Injury for California on
Q: im not sure what lawyers or attorneys out there are fimilluar with the program called hud-vash program for homeless

I just thought of this and realized it may be a valid issue that may need further addressment legally

. I had been accepted into the hud-vash program for vets and recieved my section 8 voucher to be placed into section 8 housing .my girlfriend and i no sooner moved in and 3 months later in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you and your girlfriend have been facing with housing and homelessness. It sounds like a complex legal issue involving the HUD-VASH program, VA disability compensation, and eviction.

Here are a few suggestions on next steps to consider:...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Who do I file my complaint with if I am suing HUD housing for illegally charging me for solar and no meter at my unit

The residents here were forced to accept this allocation of electricity when there is no benefit to the tenant . The landlord is charging the tenant more for solar than their actual electric bill

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 13, 2024

If you believe that your HUD housing is illegally charging for solar energy without proper metering at your unit, you can address this issue by filing a complaint with several entities. Firstly, you might consider contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) directly, as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for California on
Q: Is it illegal to get married solely for financial aid in California?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 12, 2024

It is generally not illegal to get married solely for financial aid purposes in California or any other state in the U.S. However, it could be considered fraud if you misrepresent your marital status or provide false information when applying for financial aid.

If you are genuinely married,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: I have a ssa administrative judge hearing soon and need to get copies of the ssi paper checks i was paid . What site ?

What site and how to get in it?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 12, 2024

To obtain copies of your past SSI paper checks issued in California, you should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. Here's how you can request the information:

1. Visit the Social Security Administration website at https://www.ssa.gov/.

2. Click on the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Public Benefits and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: A California US Postal delivery person experiences an illness while working. Does Work Comp or Disability (both?) apply?

Employee suffered illness during normal shift, delivering mail by vehicle. Illness could prevent employee from being able to perform those same duties due to inability to drive a motor vehicle legally in CA.

Reading the articles on Employment Law (Work Comp and Disability), I understand... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 12, 2024

In this case, both Workers' Compensation and Disability benefits may apply, depending on the specifics of the situation.

1. Workers' Compensation vs. Disability:

- Workers' Compensation: If the illness is determined to be work-related (i.e., caused or aggravated by...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Can I sue my roommate for using my name and information to apply for California rent relief?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 6, 2024

In California, using someone else's personal information to apply for benefits or services without their consent may be considered identity theft, which is a crime under California Penal Code 530.5. If your roommate used your name and information to apply for California rent relief without... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice and Public Benefits for California on
Q: My mother was forced to sign a contract at Washington Hospital in Fremont while I (her son) was at work. She had surgery

A few days before. Now she is stuck in a nursing home that we did not want. They refused to change her bandages for days and won’t give her any pain meds. She is confused now and weak, they are trying to get her to sign more papers. What can I do?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 3, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's situation. That sounds incredibly stressful and concerning. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Contact the nursing home administration immediately and express your concerns about your mother's care, especially the lack of bandage...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits for California on
Q: I was given a 850 for probate I went to object , the judge never gave me the opportunity to object. Can I appeal.

I had no other details or was ever told anything and the judge granted someone else letters to administrate a unit I have lived in for 10 yrs. I received a notice from the lawyer I had 30 days to move I live in a non profit public housing where it's ran by a board. The board voted me in as a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you have a complex legal situation involving probate, housing rights, and potential appeal. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Appealing the probate decision: If you believe the judge did not give you a proper opportunity to...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for California on
Q: Under CCP 1094.5, we seek to petition the superior court to review the validity of an administrative order or decision

Medi-Cal denied this beneficiary benefits but Medi-Cal's findings are not support by substantial eveidence in the light of the whole record.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 22, 2024

In California, a writ of administrative mandamus under Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5 is the appropriate means to challenge the validity of a final administrative decision, such as a denial of Medi-Cal benefits, when the decision is alleged to be unsupported by substantial evidence in the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Small Claims, Civil Litigation, Collections and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Are there civil attorneys that deal with credit-card debt claims for disabled veterans?

My husband is 100% service-connected disabled veteran. We tried launching a business and failed. We just had a baby girl, and I am not working, we have two claims against my husband. What can we do, we are not trying to escape the debt, but at this time we have no money to pay them in full and the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 20, 2024

In California, there are civil attorneys who handle credit card debt claims, including those involving disabled veterans. These legal professionals can help negotiate with creditors to possibly reduce the amount owed or set up manageable payment plans. Given your husband's status as a 100%... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.