Get free answers to your Social Security legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My brother, a U.S. citizen, passed away in Portugal. His ex-partner informed me of his death but refuses to provide any further information about his will or the circumstances, and I don't know where his body is or how he passed away. My brother owned a fully paid home at 459 Butman Rd,... View More 
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
You should immediately contact the probate court in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, where your brother's property is located, to determine if a will has been filed. The property at 459 Butman Rd, Lowell falls under their jurisdiction, and you can search probate records online or call the... View More
I am my father's durable power of attorney and need to change his address with Social Security and Medicare to ensure all his mail is sent to me in California, while he resides in a skilled nursing facility in Massachusetts with dementia. This is crucial to avoid any disruption in his Social... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2025
As your father's durable power of attorney, you can update his address with Social Security by calling their national number at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office with your power of attorney documentation, your ID, and your father's Social Security number.... View More
How do I appeal the Dua decision regarding my previous employee approval, considering there is a discrepancy in notifications? The employee claimed part-time status, but I always expressed to them that I was a relief worker, and the employment end date they have is incorrect. I have documents... View More
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answered on Feb 23, 2025
You have several important considerations to address with this DUA appeal situation, and time is of the essence given the February 28 deadline. Given your health challenges and indigent status, you have rights that need to be protected throughout this process.
First, requesting a waiver... View More
They are saying since I worked part time I made to much and that it should have been canceled in 2019 and, now I owe $20,000 back to them. I work part time and I am only now living off of unemployment
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answered on Feb 4, 2025
I hear how challenging and stressful this situation must be for you, especially while managing Multiple Sclerosis. This type of sudden benefit termination can be overwhelming, particularly when facing an unexpected overpayment notice.
Your first step should be requesting reconsideration of... View More
They are saying since I worked part time I made to much and that it should have been canceled in 2019 and, now I owe $20,000 back to them. I work part time and I am only now living off of unemployment
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answered on Feb 1, 2025
I'm very sorry to hear about your situation with Social Security and your MS diagnosis - this must be incredibly stressful for you. Dealing with benefit interruptions while managing MS is challenging enough without having to worry about repayment demands.
You have the right to appeal... View More
After you apply for SSDI and before you get approved are you able to use your trial work period during the pending application.
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answered on Jan 28, 2025
No, you cannot use your trial work period (TWP) while your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application is still pending. The TWP is only available to people who have already been approved for SSDI and are receiving benefits. Since you are not yet approved, the work you do during this... View More
An inmate in mass has a disability and has a brain tumor diagnosis and was told to have brain scans every six months due to the risk of it growing back, and jail is refusing.
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answered on Oct 15, 2024
If an inmate in Massachusetts is not receiving the necessary medical treatment for a disability like a brain tumor, the first step is to contact the inmate’s attorney. Legal representation can advocate for the inmate’s rights and ensure that proper medical care is provided. The attorney can... View More
I worked in the public school system. In 09 i was a permanent sub so I went in every day. 2012 was my official hire year. I guess we don’t pay into SSDI… I haven’t worked since 2020 (health). I was told that I might qualify for the non-medical SSI.
I’ve never looked into this... View More
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answered on Sep 6, 2024
If you don't qualify for SSDI because of your work history in the public school system, there are still some options available to you. You mentioned that you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need rather than work credits. SSI is designed for... View More
I'm not bright or tech savvy but I been trying to get my old amount back as since I reported I got married in 2017 they cut me but I am not with my wife since 2018 and am pending a divorce but neither of us are nor see each other I have my rent receipt and other things for proof I just heard... View More
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answered on Sep 5, 2024
Getting help with your Social Security issues, especially when dealing with mental health challenges, can feel overwhelming. You might want to start by contacting local legal aid services in Massachusetts. They often provide free assistance to people who need help with SSI and can guide you through... View More
Denied 1st go, I appealed. Denied in reconsideration. I just don't know if I should appeal it again. I know I am on the younger side but my injuries both physical and psychological hinder the fit and reliable person I used to be.
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answered on May 17, 2024
If you have been denied during the reconsideration stage of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application, you have the right to appeal the decision again. The next step in the appeals process is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law... View More
Specifically, we are interested in learning:
The implications of starting an online business on the client's eligibility for disability benefits.
Strategies or options available to the client for supplementing their income within the confines of the maximum allowable monthly... View More
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answered on Mar 9, 2024
Starting an online business while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can impact your benefits, depending on your income and the structure of your business. Here are some key considerations and strategies:
1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): In 2024, if you earn more... View More
… for 5 years to be able to receive dependent SSDI payments or social security survivors benefits? Are Canadians exempt from the 5 years residency requirement? Thanks.
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answered on Feb 22, 2024
For your wife and son to be eligible for dependent SSDI payments or Social Security survivors benefits based on your record, there are specific residency requirements they may need to meet. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has agreements with many countries, including Canada, that... View More
I have become disabled and am waiting for SSI/SSDI. I am putting in a second appeal. Over the summer I won a class action suite for a decent sum. If I were to cash that sum, would I be disqualified for SSI/SSDI? Also, I am moving to subsidized housing in Orange MA.
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answered on Oct 18, 2023
SSDI eligibility is based on your work history and medical condition, and is not impacted by assets or unearned income like a cash settlement.
SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program.
If you receive a cash settlement, it may affect your SSI eligibility because SSI... View More
I've done elementary middle school and highschool here in Massachusetts it just doesn't feel right that i still don't have my social security number
answered on Jan 26, 2022
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply and get a Social Security number. For a foreign born U.S. citizen, Social Security will accept certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship when you apply for a Social Security number, including:
- U.S. passport;
- Certificate of... View More
I receive part of my disability benefit from ssdi and part from Lincoln Financial (disability insurance through my employer). Will my total benefit stay the same when I reach retirement age?
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answered on Apr 5, 2021
The amount of your Social Security benefit is not affected by your LTD payment. This assumes you are receiving regular Title II (SSDI) benefits from Social Security. The amount of your LTD payment may be reduced due to the receipt of your Social Security. That depends on the terms of your LTD... View More
got in a serious car accident cannot walk anymore and got a very small settlement...recieved check at same time got approved for disability and don't wanna lose it all ready check is all ready gone and spent
answered on Mar 11, 2021
It's not worth the trouble that can come if you get caught. Sometimes the info gets to SSA in unexpected ways. When they find out, they can demand repayment of several years of benefits. If your benefits are need based, then you can spend the funds on specific things approved by SSA like some... View More
answered on May 26, 2020
It would be best for you to have your Social Security benefits directly deposited into your own bank account. If you do not currently have a bank account, you can set an account up with a bank you choose and then sign up for direct deposit with Social Security.
Another option is to have... View More
currently I owe more than $3000 in cash and check, and I need to hire a qualified attorned to represent me.
answered on Apr 27, 2020
Check with the Bar Association in Boston for lawyer's referral for someone near you who can assist.
This place is not used to engage or instruct lawyers.
Good Luck
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My wife, 57, is legally blind. Her vision has steadily gone downhill for 15-20 years and hasn't driven since 2005. She hasn't worked since 1995 after our second daughter was born.
answered on Oct 3, 2019
Maybe, but unlikely. If she is qualified for disability for medical reasons, because she has not paid into Title 2 AKA SSDI since 1995, she would not qualify financially. The other benefit available IF she medically qualifies, is Supplemental Security Income AKA Title 16 or SSI.
SSI is... View More
Yes I am disabled, on hemodialysis, and get palliative care services. My house will be closing on Wednesday. I will be getting about $150,000 (that's the gain). What federal/state assistance programs will be affected by this gain of money? Is there any legal way around it or to avoid losing... View More
answered on May 21, 2019
You have not stated whether you are disabled . If so, there is a special needs trust you can explore.
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