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California Social Security Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: I need help changing a representative payee at the social security. The current payee is committing financial abuse

It's been 3 months since we requested the change without any luck. No one at the social security office is of any help. Please we are desperate

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 2, 2023

Document all instances of financial abuse and collect evidence. Submit this information to the Social Security Administration and insist on a change of payee. If they aren't responsive, escalating to higher authorities or legal action may be necessary.

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Public Benefits and Social Security for California on
Q: Would we have problems with housing voucher if my mom stopped receiving income? What would the rent percentage be?

I am a live-in aide for my mother and my income doesn't count regardless of amount. I am currently employed by IHSS and my income is tax-free due to my live-in status. She is receiving SSI and is the main holder for a housing voucher she uses. If we remove her SSI and she has no income and I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 29, 2023

Under California law, if your mother's SSI is her only source of income and it stops, her portion of rent under the housing voucher could potentially be reduced to a minimum amount set by the housing authority, which in many cases is $25 or $50. However, as you mentioned that your IHSS income... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: i am the representative payee for my daughter who is on SSI. i was up for re-evaluation and the SSI said this...

Because my boyfriend lives with me they are considering us as a married couple. weve only been dating for 2 years, now they want HIS information ( bank routing numbers, vehicle registrations, ect...) He is not comfortable and has refused to submit these forms. can the ssi stop because of this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 21, 2023

The Social Security Administration (SSA) may consider you and your boyfriend as a married couple if you are sharing a household and expenses. They might require your boyfriend's information to evaluate your daughter's eligibility for SSI accurately. If your boyfriend is uncomfortable... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: i am the representative payee for my daughter who is on SSI. i was up for re-evaluation and the SSI said this...

Because my boyfriend lives with me they are considering us as a married couple. weve only been dating for 2 years, now they want HIS information ( bank routing numbers, vehicle registrations, ect...) He is not comfortable and has refused to submit these forms. can the ssi stop because of this... View More

Kelvin K. Lee
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Kelvin K. Lee
answered on Sep 15, 2023

If a couple lives together, SSA will consider them to be household which is sharing expenses unless you prove otherwise. It really does not have anything to do with being married, they consider you to be sharing expenses with him by the fact that you are living together in the same place.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Asking for advice on disability claim.

In the middle of SSA reconcideration of my SSDI (not SSI) case, my attorney quit due to "started working for the Government".

I requested my files and documents for the future representative, and he only sent my Medical files with a note "This is all I have".

I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

It's not unusual for an attorney to send only medical files if those are the primary documents they've gathered during their representation. You absolutely can and should request copies of your file from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure you have a complete record for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Am I offered an adequate representation in the ongoing SSDI case?

My case has been going back and forth in the pending SSDI case. Suddenly my representing attorney quit due to a conflict of interests.

Several days later I was contacted by a (legitimate) healthcare and technology company offering help with my SSDI case.

By now I have received... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 30, 2023

Apologies on my last response. I had gotten your question confused with that of another person on here. The proper response to your question is as follows:

In California, representation in an SSDI case generally requires expertise in Social Security law and administrative procedures. If the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: SSDI application phone Interview- any good suggestions?

I have been applying for SSDI and today have scheduled a phone interview.

In preparation for the interview- any advice/suggestions on what to expect, how to conduct it properly, not screw up?

Thank you in advance!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 27, 2023

For your SSDI phone interview, be thorough and truthful in describing the extent and impact of your disability on your daily life and ability to work. Gather and have ready all relevant medical records, doctor's notes, and any other evidence that supports your claim. Lastly, be prepared to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Soc Sec Disability: Ive been denied benefits 2 or 3 times. Why! I have skitzo-affective and

...graves disease, means im going blind. Im 52 yrs old and practically homeless. Is this legal?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

It's unfortunate that you've been denied Social Security Disability benefits. Having schizoaffective disorder and Graves' disease can certainly impact your ability to work and support yourself. It may be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in Social Security... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Is there a statue of limitations for charging someone with fraud. Someone collected my state disability for a year, sig

signed my name to the check and spent the money.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

In California, the statute of limitations for charging someone with fraud is generally three years from the date the fraud is discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence. However, it's important to consult with an attorney to discuss the specific details of your case... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Employment Law for California on
Q: My husband was a bailiff in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed away last November. Am I entitled to his pension?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

In matters of pension entitlement, the specific terms and conditions of the pension plan your husband had in Little Rock, Arkansas, will dictate whether you are entitled to any benefits as a surviving spouse. It's essential to review the pension plan documents, consult with the plan... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Collections and Social Security for California on
Q: When i get SSI How much do i have to Repay?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 3, 2023

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, and if you receive an overpayment due to an error or change in circumstances, you may be required to repay the excess amount. The repayment amount will depend on the specific circumstances of your case and will be determined by the Social... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: SSDI- with or without a lawyer in my situation?

I have been in the 4th month of reconsideration phase of my application for SSDI.

Suddenly my lawyer leaves all clients for personal reasons, and ...

How to proceed?

Should I wait for the SSA decision and if unfavorable, only then hire another lawyer? Or...

What are my options?

Thank you.

Susan Michele Schaefer
Susan Michele Schaefer
answered on Jul 13, 2023

If you have all of your medical records and other evidence submitted to Social Security, you could proceed on your own for now and see whether the reconsideration decision is favorable or not. This may be your best approach in your situation. You will have time to submit additional evidence if the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Hello. I am 61; I am disabled due to palmoplantar psoriasis, bipolar, MDD. What if I take early retirement at 62?

I am trying to figure out if disability will be denied by SSDI if I take early retirement at age 62, during my SSDI appeal? I am still in my initial application. I was denied once before because I did not turn in medical records. I have extensive medical records and I am under treatment by four... View More

Kelvin K. Lee
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Kelvin K. Lee
answered on Jun 26, 2023

You will get a greater amount of benefits than what you receive at age 62 if you later qualify for SSDI benefits.

Your Social Security Statement should state "If you to be found disabled, you would receive $XXXX per month." The SSDI rate is always greater than then age 62...
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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: Hello. I am 61; I am disabled due to palmoplantar psoriasis, bipolar, MDD. What if I take early retirement at 62?

I am trying to figure out if disability will be denied by SSDI if I take early retirement at age 62, during my SSDI appeal? I am still in my initial application. I was denied once before because I did not turn in medical records. I have extensive medical records and I am under treatment by four... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 27, 2023

Taking early retirement benefits at age 62 won't necessarily affect your ability to continue pursuing your SSDI claim. The two benefits are considered separately by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While early retirement benefits will result in a reduced monthly amount, SSDI benefits... View More

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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 Civil Rights, Health Care Law, Native American Law and Social Security for California on
Q: As a homeless sole mother in no argument not permanent solution with a complex.A sole mother as unapplicable ??

Need consultation to Have the Full right protect my living adults as a primary decision to allow 3adults to fulfill the future Ned's of one living sole mother with no resurface oof a breach as fault.Closed,past. Current affairs of a loss is now a issues per All government to County support.2024

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 16, 2023

In your situation, it is crucial to reach out to local resources and organizations that specialize in assisting homeless individuals, especially single parents. These organizations can provide guidance, support, and access to resources that may help you secure stable housing and address any complex... 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 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

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