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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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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).
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

answered on Apr 11, 2025
You surely realize you are not alone. How do you differ than anyone else?
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