Get free answers to your Social Security legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Your current state is Virginia
I recently stayed at a homeless shelter that promised to help me secure low-income housing. I'm disabled and on SSDI, so I can't afford rent without assistance. Despite repeatedly giving them my information, they never followed through on their promise. I had to go through Harbor... View More 
I am currently a finance officer at an American Legion in Toledo, Ohio, and I've been a volunteer there for two years. I am receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Legion now wants to put me on the payroll and deduct taxes from my income. I am concerned about... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Transitioning from volunteer to paid employment can impact your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, depending on your earnings and work activity. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets limits on how much you can earn while still receiving full disability benefits. For 2025,... View More
I received three debt judgments, and a receiver was appointed, seizing funds from two of my bank accounts—one with Social Security funds and the other with my paycheck in Texas. After presenting my documentation at a hearing, the judge ordered the return of $14,122 in Social Security protected... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
You're facing a challenging situation, but you still have strong legal options. Since you've already filed a motion for contempt, the next practical step is to request an emergency or expedited hearing from the court. Contact the court clerk directly, explain the urgency and the... View More
I need guidance on what type of lawyer I should consult to take a case against the SSA to federal court. The situation involves the SSA falsely building up an overpayment claim, imposing fines and penalties, and subsequently taking $60,000 from my bank account. I was able to prove there was no... View More
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answered on Mar 14, 2025
To sue the Social Security Administration (SSA) in federal court for wrongful overpayment recovery and civil rights violations, you need an attorney experienced in federal litigation and administrative law. Look for someone familiar with suing government entities, particularly involving cases where... View More
I found personal documents, including a family will, social security numbers, and court documents, belonging to a deceased person while working in an attic during a demolition and construction project. I'm seeking legal advice on how to handle these documents properly. What should I do next?
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answered on Mar 13, 2025
Since you've found sensitive personal documents belonging to a deceased person, including a will, social security numbers, and court records, you should handle them carefully to avoid legal or ethical issues. Here are the recommended steps (not legal advice):
1. Do Not Destroy or... View More
I was married to Ralph Thomas Proctor for 9 years and 8 months, and he passed away from cancer on February 28. I have been receiving disability benefits for the past 4 years due to his actions, which involved charges in Michigan where he put a police officer in the hospital. We were still married... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss and the difficulties you've experienced. Generally, to qualify for survivor's benefits through Social Security based on a deceased spouse's earnings record, you must have been married for at least 9 months prior to their passing, which you have met.... View More
I’m 72 years old and recently retired due to health reasons after suffering a stroke in 2023. I have been paying alimony for 21 years following a divorce finalized in Riverside County on 11/12/2004. My former spouse, who is now around 70 and was self-employed, chose not to remarry. She is... View More
answered on Mar 12, 2025
In general, the change in your income would be considered a change in circumstances by the court. This should allow you to file a Request for Order to modify spousal support. You can inform the court of your new income and your former spouse's ability to collect Social Security derivative... View More
I have worked for an individual for over 30 years without paying into Social Security, and neither has my employer. I have no formal employment documents, but she has used me as an expense on her taxes, and I have received a vehicle and apartment for my use. I am looking for advice on potential... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Your situation is complicated but important to address. If you've worked for someone for over 30 years without paying into Social Security, your retirement and disability benefits could be significantly impacted. Because neither you nor your employer contributed, you may face difficulties... View More
I'm representing myself in Arkansas, specifically in Pulaski County, and need guidance on writing a petition to the court for an expedited postmortem paternity test. The test is necessary to compare a tissue sample for my child's father, who was killed a year ago before she was born. I... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Start by drafting a petition titled clearly, such as "Petition for Expedited Postmortem Paternity Testing," and include your full name, address, and contact details. Clearly state your relationship to the deceased, explain your child's need for Social Security benefits, and emphasize... View More
I am concerned about potential changes to social security, Medicare, and Medicaid. What legal actions or advocacy steps can individuals take to protect these benefits amid talks of cuts or changes?
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
If you're concerned about potential cuts or changes to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, there are practical steps you can take. Start by contacting your elected representatives—write letters, emails, or make phone calls explaining how proposed changes might personally impact you and... View More
I am currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at a rate of $311 and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at a rate of $676 in Illinois. I live alone and am considering moving to Tennessee. Would my SSI rate change if I move to another state like Tennessee?
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
If you move from Illinois to Tennessee, your SSDI amount of $676 will remain the same because SSDI benefits are based solely on your work history and earnings record, and they're unaffected by where you live.
However, your SSI amount could change slightly because SSI includes a federal... View More
I received three debt judgments, and a receiver was appointed, seizing funds from two of my bank accounts—one with Social Security funds and the other with my paycheck. After presenting my documentation in a hearing, the judge ordered the return of $14,122 in Social Security protected funds... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
You are dealing with a complicated situation, as two conflicting court orders are causing confusion about your protected Social Security funds. First, immediately notify the judge overseeing your contempt motion about the receiver’s noncompliance and the contradictory disbursement order. Clearly... View More
I have been charged with criminal trespass by a family member, and the state has picked up the charge. At my court appearance, I applied for a public defender, but they said my social security income was too high to qualify, using my gross monthly income of $2,000. They did not consider any... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Since you were denied a public defender based solely on gross income without considering deductions or your actual living expenses, you can request a reconsideration. Visit or call the public defender's office directly, and politely explain your financial situation in more detail, including... View More
I was married to my ex-husband for more than 10 years, and I am currently 72 years old. I have not remarried and am receiving my own social security benefits of $900 monthly. Am I entitled to claim social security benefits based on my ex-husband's record, even though I filed for benefits... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Since you were married to your ex-husband for over ten years and have not remarried, you may indeed be eligible for Social Security benefits based on his earnings record. Being 72 years old means you're already beyond full retirement age, which qualifies you to receive benefits at their... View More
How can I find a probate lawyer to assist me with my mother's estate? Her ex-husband destroyed her will and hasn't reported it to probate court. He is collecting and using her assets, including her house, car, bank accounts, and cashing her social security payments after her death. My... View More
answered on Mar 9, 2025
The sooner you get to a probate attorney, the better. Even if you don't have the original of the will, the validity and contents of the lost will can be proved by the testimony of witnesses. So, it's great you have witnesses! We call the process "probate of a will not produced in... View More
I have been working as a property manager and handyman for someone for 30 years, maintaining and repairing her apartment buildings. There was never any social security tax paid by either of us for me, and I suspect she might have used me as an expense on her tax returns. I did not have any written... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Your situation sounds complicated, but you do have important rights. First, it's possible you've been misclassified as an independent contractor when you might actually be considered an employee, especially given your long-term arrangement, the ongoing provision of an apartment, vehicle,... View More
Can a federal judge keep me on probation longer than I was originally sentenced because of unpaid restitution, even though I have completed my full prison term and supervised release? My probation terms required paying 10% of my income in restitution, but as a Social Security recipient, I could... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
Yes, a federal judge can extend your probation period if restitution remains unpaid, even after completing your prison term and supervised release. Restitution obligations typically continue until fully satisfied, and courts have authority to enforce payment through probation extensions.... View More
I am undergoing a divorce and suffer from complex PTSD. My only income is from Social Security mental disability benefits. My spouse verbally agreed to leave my automatic deposits and withdrawals intact and to remove their name from my bank account, but hasn't done so. They're using my... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
You have the legal right to directly control your Social Security disability payments, as these benefits are specifically intended for your care and support. Your spouse does not have any automatic entitlement to control or access these funds, especially without your explicit consent or a legal... View More
I am on Social Security mental disability benefits and rely on my emotional support dog, who is registered with documentation. My spouse, from whom I am separated, claims she can be awarded visitation rights (1st, 3rd, & 5th weekends) for my emotional support dog. My spouse never showed... View More
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answered on Mar 16, 2025
In Texas, pets, including emotional support animals, are legally considered personal property rather than family members. Unlike children, courts generally do not grant visitation rights or custody schedules for animals. Your spouse’s claim for structured visitation similar to child visitation... View More
I am concerned about whether my spouse can claim half of my inheritance money, which includes insurance money and a bank account willed to me, once my parent passes away. We don't have any prenuptial agreements, and my financial obligations have been separate from my spouse, who is financially... View More
answered on Mar 7, 2025
Inheritance is separate property when inherited. However, some people run awry when they blend their separate property with community property. So, keep your separate property separate!
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