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California Social Security Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Landlord - Tenant, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: 81-year-old senior with eviction notice in CA; no record of initial payments, financial hardship.

I am an 81-year-old senior living on Social Security and receiving EBT assistance in Palm Desert, CA, and have been in my rental for 22 years. Recently, the real estate management company issued me a 60-day notice to vacate. At move-in, I paid the first month's rent, last month's rent,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Can I get a Real ID if my documents are under a different name than my birth certificate?

I have used a different name than the one on my birth certificate for 55 years. All my official documents, such as my driver's license, Social Security card, and college records, are under this name. I initially started using this name in California without difficulty. Can I get a Real ID with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 3, 2025

If all your current government-issued documents—like your driver’s license, Social Security card, and college records—have consistently used the name you've gone by for 55 years, you are not alone in this situation. The Real ID application process hinges on a document trail that connects... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Is it illegal for a CA credit union to delay social security funds deposit?

In California, is it illegal for a credit union to delay crediting customers' accounts with electronic Social Security funds? I've noticed delays of up to one week since my credit union changed hands, although I'm not sure exactly when that change occurred. I haven't discussed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 30, 2025

Delays in Social Security direct deposits are not supposed to happen without cause. Under federal law, Social Security payments are transmitted via direct deposit to arrive on the scheduled payment date. Financial institutions are required to make those funds available to you on that same date, not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security, Family Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Child support enforcement in California: Lien and payment options.

I'm seeking advice on child support enforcement in California. My husband, who is now 65 years old, has never paid the child support he was court-ordered to pay, and the state has imposed a lien of $75,000 on him. Despite starting to receive Social Security benefits this year, he can't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2025

Your situation raises important questions about how California handles child support collection from different income sources. The law requires that all court orders for child support include an Income Withholding Order (IWO), which is typically the primary enforcement tool used by the state.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Social Security, Elder Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Public Benefits for California on
Q: County mishandled insurance, lost health services, made prescription changes.

I'm a senior and disabled with chronic illnesses and rare disorders. My insurance is managed by my county, which has poorly handled it, resulting in unpaid bills and loss of essential healthcare services, including my pain specialist and treatment plan. Additionally, the PACE plan directed by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2025

You're dealing with a deeply unfair situation, and you deserve clarity, consistency, and dignity in your healthcare. When a county fails to properly administer your benefits, it's not just a clerical error—it’s a breach of the duty owed to you as a vulnerable and dependent adult.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: What documents can I provide to the DMV to obtain a Real ID if my last name was never legally changed?

I am trying to obtain a Real ID. My last name on my birth certificate is Doe, but I have never used that name. My mother got married after I was born and never used the name Doe; my documents, including my Social Security card and driver's license, show my current name, which is not Doe. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2025

If your current legal name is not the same as the name listed on your birth certificate and you never formally changed it through a court order, the DMV will require a consistent paper trail to prove identity for Real ID purposes. Because your Social Security card and driver’s license both... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning, Social Security, Family Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Am I entitled to my estranged husband's estate or Social Security benefits?

I married in 1993, and my husband served me with divorce papers in 2022 due to our separation. I was unable to contest the divorce at that time because of financial constraints. I assumed he finalized the divorce, but he did not. He has never remarried and has no children. I am currently 66, and he... View More

Ross Evan Pitcoff
Ross Evan Pitcoff
answered on Jun 18, 2025

That depends on several key factors—including your legal marital status at the time of his death, whether he left a will, how long you were married, and whether you qualify under Social Security guidelines.

If you were still legally married at the time of his death (even if estranged),... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How can I sue for mental abuse by ex-spouse in California?

I want to sue my ex-husband and his wife for extreme and intentional mental health abuse. We divorced in December 2019, and I retained sole custody of our 14-year-old son. My ex-husband continued living on the property until 2023, during which time I experienced mental and physical abuse. This has... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2025

To sue your ex-husband and his wife for intentional infliction of emotional distress in California, you need to file a civil lawsuit in the appropriate superior court. The legal claim, known as Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED), requires you to prove that their conduct was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: Need guidance on attending court-mandated domestic violence classes despite financial difficulties and fee waiver.

I am required to attend domestic violence classes for one year. However, I am disabled, receiving food stamps, and in the process of applying for SSI, with no income. I have a court fee waiver and was advised by the court to inform the domestic violence counseling place about my situation. I seek... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 22, 2025

Your situation is completely understandable, and many people face similar challenges when required to attend court-mandated programs while experiencing financial hardship. Since the court has already granted you a fee waiver and specifically advised you to inform the domestic violence counseling... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How to respond to a lawyer after a closed lawsuit in CA?

I was involved in a civil lawsuit in California that was closed without prejudice over three years ago, and the statute of limitations has now passed. The case was closed due to my lack of assets at the time. Recently, the same lawyer who filed the paperwork contacted me asking if I now have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 9, 2025

You should respond promptly to the attorney in writing, clearly stating that the lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice over three years ago and that the applicable statute of limitations has now expired. California's statutes of limitations for most civil matters range from two to four... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Divorce, Public Benefits and Family Law for California on
Q: What qualifies as a certified divorce decree in California for Social Security benefits?

I'm applying for survivor benefits through Social Security and need a certified divorce decree from California. The Social Security Administration has requested this document. I have the original FL-180 (pink copy) from the courthouse, but the attached pages are photocopies. Does this qualify... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Apr 28, 2025

You need to go to the court house file room and request a "certified copy" of your divorce judgment (aka "Judgment of Dissolution" - FL180 with all attachments).

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Civil Litigation, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Can I reopen a civil rights case filed in 2016 after being granted SSDI due to related disability?

I filed a civil rights case against the City of Long Beach and others in 2016, right before the 2-year deadline. However, I never followed up on the case after being released from prison. Since then, I've been granted SSDI due to a disability caused by the actions mentioned in my case, and the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 28, 2025

The ability to reopen your 2016 civil rights case is unfortunately limited by California's statute of limitations. For personal injury and civil rights cases in California, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of injury. Since you filed right before this deadline... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How can I obtain a SSN without early life proof?

I am 21 years old and do not have a Social Security Number. I was born in the U.S. and have my birth certificate, but my father's name is not on it. My mother won't assist me, and when I applied for a Social Security Number, they required more proof of the first four years of my life.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 24, 2025

You're facing a challenging situation with getting your Social Security Number. Since you already have your birth certificate, you're on the right track, but the Social Security Administration often requires additional evidence when documentation is limited. Without your father on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Disability checks stopped due to missed court date and pending review. How can benefits be reinstated in CA?

My son's disability checks stopped because I missed a court date during the COVID pandemic after failing to submit requested information about my income sources. Recently, a review confirmed he is still disabled, but the checks haven't restarted. The agency says the status is pending, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 24, 2025

Now that your son's review has confirmed his disability status, you need to take immediate action to reinstate his benefits. You should contact Social Security directly to request an "expedited reinstatement" of his benefits, which can be done by completing Form 371 and submitting it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security, Family Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How to change recipient of child support payments in CA after guardianship change?

I am 20 years old and recently moved out after being kicked out by my older sister who was my legal guardian following my mother's passing. She currently receives the child support payments on my behalf. I am seeking to become the new recipient of these payments. I am also curious to know if... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 21, 2025

At age 20, you're in a unique position regarding child support. Under California law, child support typically ends when a child turns 18, or 19 if the child is unmarried and still attending high school full time. Since you're now 20, the standard child support obligation would have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: How to enforce § 404.2041 for social security fraud in CA?

How do I find a lawyer or administrative law judge to help me enforce § 404.2041 regarding Social Security fraud? I reported Social Security fraud where the SSA ignored my tip and paid the wrong person over $150,000. The perpetrator was sent to prison last year. Despite sending certified letters... View More

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answered on Apr 18, 2025

To enforce 20 C.F.R. § 404.2041 in California after reporting Social Security fraud, you need to escalate beyond the local SSA office. Since the perpetrator has already been convicted and partial restitution was ordered, you are in a strong position to demand full compliance from the agency. This... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Dispute with HUD agency on VA disability as income, lawyer type?

My complaint involves a public housing agency under HUD that is including my VA disability compensation as income. They argue that my compensation does not qualify for exclusion under HUD regulations, as it lacks the label "deferred." I've spent over 500 hours researching and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 17, 2025

You should look for an attorney with experience in federal housing programs and administrative appeals under HUD regulations. A Housing Law and Administrative Law attorney will understand the nuances of VA disability exclusions and HUD’s regulatory framework. They can challenge agency action... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: What can I do if SSA payments are suspended due to incorrect payment info?

I received disability status in October 2024 along with back payments, but I haven't received any payment from the SSA yet. Since December 2024, I have been contacting SSA regarding payments not received. When an agent checks my case, they find that one digit in my bank account number has been... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2025

You’ve already fixed the account details online, so first print or save screenshots of the confirmation pages and the “Payments Suspended” notice—those records give you proof when you speak with an agent. Call the national SSA line at 800‑772‑1213, ask to place a “payment trace” on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Eligibility for widow's benefits at age 53 in CA.

I am a 53-year-old widow who was married for 11 years to my late husband. He was on permanent disability due to a heart condition before he passed away at age 58. I am employed full-time and have never applied for Social Security benefits myself. The Social Security Administration informed me that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

You are not eligible to collect standard Social Security widow’s benefits at age 53 unless specific exceptions apply. In most cases, widow’s benefits begin at age 60, or age 50 if the surviving spouse is disabled. Since you are employed full-time and have not applied for Social Security... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Internet Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Procedure to sue for unauthorized access to government systems and personal data breach in California.

I want to sue an unelected official, his team of computer hackers, and the Presidential administration for illegally accessing government computer systems and obtaining my personal information, including data held by the Social Security Administration. The agencies have admitted their data was... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Apr 11, 2025

You surely realize you are not alone. How do you differ than anyone else?

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