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Florida Social Security Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: What's does it mean if I got letter that I was denied social security/SSI but on my SSA account I wasn't denied SSDI?

On my SSA account it says for SSDI that the medical review was done. Now it's doing a final non medical review but I was denied for SSI.now I got a letter saying that I don't get benefits for social security and SSI. But on my account it doesn't say I was denied SSDI. The final... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 15, 2024

The difference between SSI and SSDI can be very confusing, especially when you're getting mixed messages through letters and your online account.

Your situation sounds like you're experiencing two separate decisions - one for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) which has been...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: I was approved for SSDI and have received my first check and I would like to amend my onset date
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 16, 2024

Congratulations on receiving your first SSDI check. If you need to amend your onset date, start by gathering all relevant medical records and documents that support the new date you believe is accurate. Having thorough documentation will strengthen your case when you present it.

Next, reach...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Social Security for Florida on
Q: Lost ID, no primary ID. Need replacement to get job, access funds & meds. Urgent help needed.

I am humbled by your support, your kindness and the hard work you put in to make this Q&A opportunity possible for me. Words won’t describe the gratitude I feel. I have no original primary ID only possess digital copies of primary ID- my Certificate of U.S. Citizenship and an expired state ID... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 8, 2024

I'm sorry you're facing this challenging situation. Start by visiting your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Bring all your secondary ID originals, your expired state ID, and digital copies of your Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Explain your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: lost the Adj hearing. Have questions

Lost the Adj hearing in August. When I received the denial from SSA I went through the report and there were so much inconsistencies and all my medical was completely cherry picked 100%

I brought this up to the attorney and he said it doesn't matter their allowed to do that

(... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2024

It sounds like you’re frustrated with the way your case has been handled, especially with the inconsistencies in the judge’s decision and how your medical records were selectively considered. You have every right to be concerned if your attorney's strategy seems to focus on a point that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Small Claims and Social Security for Florida on
Q: My father passed away without a will and the state is holding his last $1,800. Seeking advice for retrieval.

Possibly pro bono help since that’s literally all there is left. Needing to leave the area since I can’t make ends meet without his added income

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 6, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your loss and the difficult situation you're facing. When someone passes away without a will in Florida, the process to retrieve their remaining assets, like your father's $1,800 held by the state, is known as intestate succession. Since the amount is... View More

Q: Denied for SSI and passed appeal deadline due to SSI and other lawyers discriminating based off of age. What do I do?

SSI denied me saying that despite knowing my limitations, they say it wasn’t, “severe” enough. They were basing off of my education, job history, and age. When I was reaching out to 3 other lawyer/lawyer firms, they refused to take my case due to my age. It passed my deadline due to their... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 6, 2024

You may still have options to address the missed appeal deadline for your SSI claim. If you believe the delay was due to discrimination or misinformation from lawyers who refused your case based on age, you could try to file a request for reconsideration with the Social Security Administration... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: if you’re denied online for SSDI can the letter say approve?

one day is said a Tampa representative was checking for my non-Medical then the next day it just went to denied. I haven’t gotten my letter yet. I’m waiting on it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 28, 2024

If you were denied online for SSDI, the letter you receive should clearly state the decision. It's possible that there was some confusion during the online updates, but the official letter will confirm your status. The letter will provide details on why the decision was made, which could be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: If I turn 18 and am still in highschool is there a way to get my survivor benefits sent to me instead of my mom?

hi, I am 17 and my mom currently receives survivor benefits for her, me, and my brother after our fathers passing. I turn 18 in November and am wondering if I would receive my portion of survivor benefits instead of her once I am 18 since I would still be in highschool until May. I haven't... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jul 19, 2024

Once you turn 18, the benefits that were previously managed by your mother on your behalf can be redirected to you. You will need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your status as a full-time student in high school.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Social Security and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: I won a suitcase for brain damage in a car accident. My SSI suspended my benefits. . why?
Patrick Arun Iyampillai
Patrick Arun Iyampillai
answered on Jul 1, 2024

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your income and resources when determining eligibility. Here, the SSA may have seen your settlement as income, and then your total income and resources were possibly determined to be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: How do I help a 34 y/o women with autism to get SSDI?

She has a daughter who is 18 y/o and a child that is 11, and a child that is 9. The 18 y/o is taking care of the entire family with my help. How do I help them get some type of assistance?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

To help a 34-year-old woman with autism apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you should start by gathering all relevant medical documentation. Ensure you have detailed records from doctors and therapists that outline her diagnosis, treatment history, and how her condition limits... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: If you have impairments from the blue book can you claim benefits later when older if denied when younger?

I’m 31 and I have 11 spine injuries from a MVA accident my spine injuries resulted in severe stenosis and compression of nerve root and compromised cauda equina bowel and bladder problems .. Ssa says I have two impairments from the list according to my medical records: 01 - Musculoskeletal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

If you have significant impairments from the Blue Book now and are denied benefits, it is possible to reapply later as your condition persists or worsens. The SSA considers the severity of your impairments and how they affect your ability to work. Although some individuals are approved more easily... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Social Security for Florida on
Q: Mom died. Didn't know I was supposed to report her death to the SSA. Kept receiving her monthly moneys from debit card.

How much trouble am I in? It's been 17 months so I would have to return about $17,000. . Can I remedy this by returning the money ? I don't know what to do.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

It’s important to address this situation promptly to avoid further complications. The first step is to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report your mother's death and explain the situation. Be honest about the oversight and your willingness to return the funds.

The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What steps do I need to take to garnish my ex's SSDI benefits for my minor child.

My ex, who's now incarcerated, is receiving SSDI benefits. Child support has been trying to locate him for years to serve papers on him to no avail. How can I go about garnishing his wages for support to my minor child?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Garnishing SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits for child support involves several steps. Here's what you need to do:

1. Obtain a child support order: If you don't already have one, you'll need to get a court order that specifies the amount of child support...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: I was told I can’t receive my deceased spouse’s SS because I am the beneficiary of her pension and I can’t receive both?

My spouse is recently deceased and I was initially told I would receive her SS; but then I received a letter from SS administration stating that I won’t receive her SS because I am receiving her pension and I cannot receive both. Is this true?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

In most cases, you can receive both your deceased spouse's Social Security benefits and their pension, but there are certain exceptions and rules that may apply. The two main factors that could affect your eligibility are:

1. Government Pension Offset (GPO): If you receive a pension...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Social Security for Florida on
Q: My son is 45 and on disability ss. I would like to be able to leave a small amount of money in a trust for him.

Can I do that without affecting his ss and even though he lives in florida can the person handling the trust live in New york?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Yes, you can set up a special needs trust for your son without affecting his eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits. A special needs trust, also known as a supplemental needs trust, is designed to provide financial support for a person with a disability while... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: Do I qualify for Retro-active pay once I have been approved for Social Security SSDI?

I was told by managed care vendors that I do qualify for Retro-active pay once I was approved for SSDI benefits.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Yes, you do qualify for retroactive pay once approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This means that you might receive payment for the time between your application and the approval date, subject to certain limits. The Social Security Administration allows for retroactive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: I need to know if I marry my fiance will it make him lose his disability Medicaid Medicare

He is in a mental hospital and they cannot tell me anything because we are not legally married is there anything I can do to get control back from his mom who doesn't even care about him wouldn't take him there or anything didn't want nothing to do with the situation until after I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

Marrying your fiancé could potentially affect his eligibility for disability benefits under Medicaid and Medicare, depending on various factors including your income and assets. Medicaid is a needs-based program, and adding your financial resources to his might impact his eligibility. Medicare... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Banking for Florida on
Q: can a bank keep my social security EFT deposit to offset a cashiers check that bounced ?

cashiers check was payment for item I sold - I deposited the check in my checking acoount and after 5days I withdrew the amount which was more than my social security amount .....then bank cancelled my account

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

In the United States, banks have certain rights to offset debts with funds in your account, but there are specific rules about what types of deposits can be used. Social Security benefits are generally protected from garnishment, except in cases of child support, alimony, or unpaid federal taxes.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits, Small Claims and Social Security for Florida on
Q: I am over $4K in SSI debt to the SSA because my payee failed to keep my assets below $2K for 5 months in 2021 and 2022.

My representative payee has admitted in an email to me that the "oversight" was their responsibility. I am interested in obtaining an attorney for representation in getting my payee to pay the $4K+ to the SSA so that my monthly SSI benefits are no longer reduced, which they currently are,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

Facing an overpayment situation with SSI due to the actions of your representative payee can be challenging. In your case, since your payee has admitted responsibility for the oversight, you have grounds to seek a resolution where the payee assumes the financial burden of the overpayment.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: My spouse is receiving SSI. After she reach 67 her SSI will become regular SS benefits ? (Even without enough credits).

At the present time she is 65, legally disabled, but without enough work credit to qualify for regular SS benefits.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 19, 2024

In Florida, the transition from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to regular Social Security benefits at the age of 67 does not occur automatically. SSI is a need-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, while regular Social Security benefits are based on an... View More

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