Get free answers to your Social Security legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I divorced in 2009 and was awarded periodic alimony of $800 per month. Later, my ex-husband took a pension buyout, and we both received a portion. He stopped paying alimony, and I mistakenly believed the obligation ended with the buyout. I remarried in 2017, divorced a year later, and recently... View More 
answered on Apr 13, 2025
Was the award of permanent periodic alimony after trial or was per a Marital Settlement Agreement? If it was an MSA it would depend on the wording whether your remarriage ended your entitlement to receive the alimony beyond the date of your remarriage.
I am being contacted by a debt collector for a Target debt, which is not related to any medical expenses, and they have requested my medical records. I have not given any consent for this. I am currently in contact with the debt collector to resolve the issue but cannot afford the payment amount of... View More
answered on Mar 6, 2025
You asked if they are legally allowed to ask you for medical records. They can ask for anything they feel like - the issue is whether you have to comply. A Target collection agent asking for medical records makes ZERO SENSE, which makes me wonder if someone is trying to scam you - for example,... View More
I am receiving SNAP benefits in Florida. After turning 62 and reporting my Social Security benefits as my only source of income, my SNAP benefits were reduced from $292 to $23 per month. The SNAP office claims this is due to exceeding the income threshold, even though my only income is Social... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
First, carefully review the SNAP benefit calculation notice you received, checking the reported income amount and household details to ensure they are accurate. Mistakes in how your Social Security income was entered—such as a higher amount than you actually receive—can cause unexpected benefit... View More
I discovered on December 8, 2024, that my stepdaughters forged my husband’s signature to secure power of attorney. My husband suffers from dementia and is unable to appoint a new power of attorney. They have since altered his Social Security benefits, making themselves the payees and removing my... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
To challenge a fraudulent power of attorney in Florida involving forgery and dementia, you must first file a petition in the probate or circuit court in the county where your husband resides. Clearly outline the forgery allegations and include the supporting documentation you possess, such as... View More
I currently reside in the United States with a green card and have been here for over 3 years. I am preparing for my civics exam and naturalization appointment. I have never applied for any public assistance or benefits in the past. Will applying for Social Security Disability benefits affect my... View More
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answered on Feb 27, 2025
Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits generally will not negatively impact your citizenship application. SSD benefits are considered "earned benefits" because they're based on your work history and the taxes you've already paid into the Social Security system.... View More
I need to correct a typo on my Miami-Dade marriage certificate to apply for my deceased husband's Social Security funds. My middle name is misspelled as "Rosa" instead of "Rose." I have already contacted the Miami-Dade County Clerk's office. I currently reside in... View More
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answered on Feb 27, 2025
To correct the typo on your Miami-Dade marriage certificate from Michigan, you'll need to submit an Amendment Application to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can download this form from their website, complete it, and include copies of supporting documents that show the correct... View More
I am unable to work due to suffering from social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder (with panic attacks). I have applied for SSI several times (not eligible for SSDI due to lack of work credits), however, I was denied each time. I do... View More
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answered on Feb 1, 2025
I hear how challenging this situation is for you, dealing with multiple anxiety disorders while navigating the SSI application process without consistent healthcare access.
Recent medical documentation is typically required for SSI approval, as the Social Security Administration needs... View More
I gave my mother temporary guardianship so they wouldn't end up in the state. Now my mother is not properly taking care of them but I'm homeless and have been trying to get a job what can I do legally to get help and get my kids back in my custody I don't want my kids suffering or... View More
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answered on Dec 11, 2024
I hear how much you care about your children and want to improve their situation. This is clearly a difficult and emotional challenge you're facing, but there are resources and steps you can take to work toward regaining custody.
Your first priority should be to secure stable housing... View More
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answered on Dec 11, 2024
When you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, you can still work and earn money, but your income affects your monthly payment amount. The Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine how much of your earnings will reduce your SSI benefits.
The first... View More
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
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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... View More
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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... View More
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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.
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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
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
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.
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
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?
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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
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
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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
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