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California Social Security Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Social Security for California on
Q: Is an estranged spouse who abandoned a marriage over 30 years ago still entitled to SS survivor benefits?

My father died recently at age 66. He was collecting Social Security. 36 years ago, he married a woman who, 3 years into the marriage, told him she was going to the store and never came back. He hasn’t heard from her since then, but I’m not sure if he ever legally divorced her. He never... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 2, 2023

Yes, an estranged spouse who abandoned a marriage over 30 years ago may still be entitled to Social Security survivor benefits, depending on the specific circumstances of the marriage and the divorce. In your father's case, it sounds like he was still legally married to his estranged wife at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: Can I receive cash assistance if my son doesn’t have a ssn, and I was told I can’t get him one until he is two?

I currently receive EBT and medi-cal for myself and my son. I was told I am not eligible for cash assistance because my son doesn’t have a Ssn. My son was an unassisted home birth, and since his birth wasn’t registered right away, vital records informed me I would need to wait until he is two... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2023

The eligibility requirements for cash assistance vary by state and program, so it's best to check with your local government agency that administers the program. In some cases, a child's lack of social security number may impact eligibility for cash assistance, but there may be exceptions... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Social Security for California on
Q: The county of alameda mailed my personal information documents social security number, picture of my license to someone
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 24, 2023

It's understandable to feel concerned and upset if your personal information has been mailed to the wrong person. This type of breach can be a serious matter, as it can potentially expose your sensitive information to individuals who may use it for malicious purposes.

If you believe...
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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: ssi medical appointment was canceled by doctors office but i was told by ssi it was a no show on my behalf i have the vm

i have the voicemail ledt by the doctors office cancelling my appoint but ssi says i no showed and have now been terminated for my benifits

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 22, 2023

If your SSI medical appointment was canceled by the doctor's office, but you were told by SSI that it was a no-show on your behalf and have now been terminated for benefits, you may have grounds for an appeal.

To appeal the decision, you will need to provide evidence that you did not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: I need an instruction of how to appeal the denial os the Writ of Mandate from OC Superior court? I also need a lawyer .
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2023

To appeal the denial of a Writ of Mandate from the Orange County Superior Court, you will need to file a Notice of Appeal with the appropriate appellate court within 60 days of the date of the denial order. The appellate court will then review the lower court's decision and issue its own... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: In context of US Code Title 42 Chapter 7 (b)(3)(A) does "entitled to benefits" mean "actively receiving benefits" or ...

My wife was receiving divorced wife benefits from SSA when we got married. Our respective ages were 66 and 63 at the time (4 years ago). When she reported the marriage to SSA, they told her she could continue to receive benefits. They also said "No need to put that in writing. It's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 9, 2023

Based on my understanding of the language used in US Code Title 42 Chapter 7 (b)(3)(A), the phrase "entitled to benefits" refers to being eligible to receive benefits, regardless of whether the individual is actively receiving them at the time.

In your case, your wife was entitled...
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1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Personal Injury, Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: I am being harassed by social security employees and have been since my first visit to a social security office in 1998.

They were brazen and very provocative criminals back then and have been more than an aggravate for a quarter of a century. I had seen S.M. from the Office of Appeals in 1997 to pull the

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 9, 2023

If you feel that you have been harassed by Social Security employees, it is important to take action to address the situation. You may want to consider speaking with a supervisor or manager at the Social Security office where you have been experiencing the harassment, or filing a complaint with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Social security administration employee has been harassing me for years. Now costing me time and money

Example: told me I could only use gross wages as an independent contractor. This led to my benefits being stopped twice.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2023

I'm sorry to hear that you have been dealing with harassment from a Social Security Administration employee. You may be able to take action to address this situation.

Firstly, it's important to document any instances of harassment and keep records of all interactions with this...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Social Security for California on
Q: Need SSN lawyer in San Diego to help get my SSN

I'm on an E-3S status as my husband is on E-3. Its been months since I applied for SSN. SSA says they're waiting for USCIS to verify my Alien status. USCIS won't talk to me without a receipt number or a case number which I won't have. I'm stuck in this bureaucracy.

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answered on Apr 5, 2023

As someone on an E-3S status, obtaining an SSN can be a frustrating process. It's not uncommon to wait for months to receive an SSN, especially when dealing with government agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Social Security for California on
Q: I am trying to help my mentally ill brother obtain a SSN. He is 57 and a U.S. citizen with no ID

I live in Michigan, he was born in Illinois and I can get him a birth certificate, he has no photo ID at all. He needs it to travel to see our mother who is dying of cancer. He lives in Venice Beach, CA and has no bank account, drivers license, or job that would give him a payroll check. He is a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2023

Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) for your mentally ill brother can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. Here are some steps that can be taken:

Obtain his birth certificate: As your brother was born in Illinois, you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Does my spouses IHSS Caretaker/provider income payments prevent her getting spousal benefits off husbands retirement ben

Benefits despite caring for our 13 yr old daughter who does receive child benefits from fathers retirement benefits?

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answered on Mar 17, 2023

The eligibility for spousal benefits from a husband's retirement benefits is determined by several factors, including the spouse's own work history, the amount of the husband's retirement benefit, and the duration of the marriage. It is not directly affected by the spouse's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: I was approved through the courts for SSDI in 2022, I have not received back pay from 2020 til now, what should i do?

I was told Social Security have to do a background check to ensure i did not owe the state any funds. It was cleared. I do not owe. However, i still do not have my back pay which stems back to 2020 and Social Security said it could take up to 60 days for clearance. it has been 4 months, and still... View More

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answered on Mar 14, 2023

If you have been approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and are entitled to back pay, it can take some time for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process your payment. The exact length of time may vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: somene wants me to sign my name on property deed so she can buy it for forty thousand dollars, from me

she'll pay me twenty thousand, the house on the lot has burn damage and is condemed i am on ssi should i take the money what are the penalties?

from ssa

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answered on Mar 2, 2023

Before signing any document related to the transfer of property, it is important to consult with an attorney to understand your legal rights and obligations under California law. Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be legal and financial implications to signing a property deed.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: I need an SSI lawyer in Lodi, I've seen a judge I'm asking for a review?? I have nerve dam rs mouth scoliosis osteoporos

Spine and both knees sever. Migraines, acid reflux, my heart Dr says either it's my heart or arteries why below my knees I'm swollen and purple. I didn't explain my issues hardy at all to judge and my lawyer asked 1 question it was horrible I need help

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answered on Mar 1, 2023

To find a Social Security disability lawyer in Lodi, you may want to start by searching online for attorneys who specialize in Social Security disability law or who practice in the Lodi area. You can also contact the State Bar of California or the National Organization of Social Security... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Social Security and Family Law for California on
Q: False Allegations of Domestic Violence?

My foreign wife, married moved to this country last year and has conspired with her daughter over the past few months to make false allegations of domestic violence to the police and LA county. As a result, they were given temporary shelter and food. However, during the investigation, the police... View More

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Feb 28, 2023

It sounds like your issues are more family law.........unless you were arrested and are being prosecuted.

Then you would need to make an appointment with a criminal defense lawyer or request the court appoint a public defender for you ...at the arraignment.

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Can SSDI Stop payment for overpayment even though you reported you were working a part time Job within a week of startin

I have a spinal injury that is degenerative and have had numerous of steroid injections plus two back surgeries. I started a part time job January 30th of 2017, I reported it February 3rd of 2017. I had to resign on May 25th of 2018 due to my back getting worse from complications on the job.... View More

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answered on Feb 26, 2023

If you have received an overpayment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may request that you repay the overpayment. In some cases, the SSA may reduce or suspend your future benefits until the overpayment is repaid.

In your case,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: if i sign away my inheritance. from selling a house will it effect my ssi?
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answered on Feb 24, 2023

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), signing away your inheritance from selling a house may affect your eligibility for SSI, depending on the value of the inheritance and the terms of the agreement.

Under SSI rules, if you receive an inheritance or any other type of financial...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: SSI was reduced when regular SS started, then SS was stopped due to overpayment years ago. Should SSI go back up?

I’m 65. My very first SSI check, shortly after turning 65 was over $1000, which included a deduction for paying towards a previous overpayment (I had been on disability in the 90’s but temporarily had a job. I was notified 3 years after that job ended, that my checks should have also ended) My... View More

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answered on Feb 19, 2023

Based on the information provided, it is possible that your SSI may go back up, as SSI benefits are generally reduced when an individual becomes eligible for other types of income, including regular Social Security retirement benefits. However, the reduction is generally based on the amount of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Tax Law and Social Security for California on
Q: Can I file a lawsuit against SSA in this case? SSA assigned same SSN to 2 different people who have same full name.

They have same first & last name, same DOB, and same SSN. They applied their SSN in 2018 while they obtained their working permit. One of them obtained her SSN on 06/2018, and the other one obtained hers on 07/2018. They never know that their SSN was assigned to 2 people.

1. They... View More

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answered on Feb 20, 2023

It may be possible to file a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) in this case, but the specific legal options and remedies available would depend on the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as any applicable laws and regulations.

Some potential legal claims that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: My mom passed a while back and social security told me I qualify for adult child survivor benefits but they denied me

They said I was showing I was still married which I wasn't. I was only married 5 years and had collected on my mom's ss # for a few years when she was still alive before I was married. Now that she has passed and I'm divorced I need to collect survivor benefits from her again. I... View More

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answered on Feb 20, 2023

It sounds like you have been having a difficult time with Social Security regarding your eligibility for survivor benefits. If you have been denied benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving the notice of denial.

You can start by contacting the Social...
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