Get free answers to your Public Benefits legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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 recently received a 3-day pay or vacate order in Florida. My lease agreement specifies a $20 late fee but does not cover other circumstances for late payments. I tried informing my landlord that I would make the payment within the timeframe, but they said it was "too late" and that I... View More
answered on Feb 18, 2025
Once the 3 day period is up, the LL has no obligation to accept your rent and can proceed with the eviction complaint. You DO NOT want the eviction complaint to be filed, so if the 3 days are up, I recommend that you vacate the property.
I know to look for the "Own Occupation" Claus in my policy, I just don't know if I'm reading this right.
"Definition of Disability
You will be considered disabled if, as a result of physical
disease, injury, pregnancy or mental disorder:... View More
answered on Jan 17, 2025
Hello. There are several important questions that are needed in order to properly answer this. Question one what is your occupation to? And What paperwork did you submit to your insurance company?
A “greeter” at a Walmart, obviously needs to be in the store in order to greet visitors.... 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
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answered on Jul 21, 2024
When you turn 18, you can potentially have your survivor benefits sent directly to you if you are still in high school. The Social Security Administration allows benefits to continue for students until they graduate from high school or turn 19, whichever comes first.
To ensure the benefits... 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.
Volusia county Florida, never went to probation for reckless driving
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answered on Mar 8, 2024
When you apply for food stamps, providing your employment information is a standard part of the process to assess your eligibility based on income. The primary aim of this information is to verify your financial situation, not to check for any outstanding warrants. However, it's important to... View More
My spouse is 65 and she is legally disabled. I am 63 and still have a part time job. She is the only one who has Medicaid and receiving SSI benefits (and also Medicare). My income has any effect on her eligibility? Is there an income limit for me?
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answered on Feb 23, 2024
In Florida, Medicaid eligibility for individuals who are disabled or elderly is determined based on their own income and resources, rather than the income of their spouse. This means that your income should not affect your spouse's eligibility for Medicaid benefits. However, it's... View More
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
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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
answered on Jan 25, 2024
Receiving public assistance is not an obstacle to getting married. Your question does not pose whether you are able to sponsor your spouse for a green card, but that seems to be what you may be asking. Even if you are receiving public assistance, you can file a petition for your spouse, but you... View More
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answered on Jan 25, 2024
Being on public assistance does not disqualify you from marrying an immigrant. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. When sponsoring an immigrant for a marriage-based green card, you must file an Affidavit of Support. This document is a legal commitment to support your spouse... View More
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
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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
Her adult daughter just received a bill for over $5,000 stating her deceased mother made an error in 2019 in reporting the number of dependents. Her daughter was over 18 and not living at home at the time. Her daughter was estranged from her mother and knows nothing about this and certainly never... View More
answered on Jan 7, 2024
It's strange that the daughter received a bill. They may have sent the bill because they don't know whether or not the daughter is the personal representative of the mother's estate. If she has filed a probate petition and is the PR, the estate may be liable, but the daughter... 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 have been dealing with a bedbug infestation for nearly 5 years in my apartment, and the pest control measures have been ineffective. Additionally, there is a persistent roach problem. Recently, a contractor left my refrigerator unplugged, causing the food inside to spoil, and the management... View More
answered on Mar 14, 2025
It would be best to consult your local Legal Aid Office, which should be able to provide free representation and/or advice. As you are writing from Jacksonville, see:
https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/get-help/service-areas/housing/housing-landlord-tenant
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
My husband, a valid green card holder, is suffering from stage four lung cancer, and a new tumor is causing him severe neurological pain, making him unable to work. He has only worked in the U.S. for three years. Can he qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, and if so, will receiving... View More
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answered on Feb 27, 2025
Your husband may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits despite only having worked in the U.S. for three years. The Social Security Administration has a "compassionate allowances" program that expedites disability claims for conditions like stage four lung cancer. While most... View More
I am a 56-year-old female on SSD and I am filing for bankruptcy due to gambling-induced financial losses. I was prescribed Ropinrole, which led to compulsive gambling behavior that ceased once I stopped taking the medication. My bankruptcy trustee suggested suing the drug manufacturer as I've... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2025
Research the prior suits. Find an attorney in Florida who has litigated these type matters before and has experience in bringing these type cases.
The citrus county ship PROGRAM was to build a house for my father, a veteran. Unfortunately, my father had no control over the building. The county was asked several times about the septic and drain field that was to be replaced per the contract, during building. All I got was the run around.... View More
answered on Dec 29, 2024
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. I'm very sorry for the loss of your father and the ordeal you have gone through with the property. What kind of lawyer? You could start by making calls to attorneys who have experience with real estate... 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
Recently this sign has been installed in city hall. City hall is right behind my apartment complex and I tend to take the backway of it to walk my Dog well I used to ever since they added those signs I now according to cops can't go there and have to go around. Does this sign include... View More
answered on May 26, 2024
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. Until you are able to consult with a Florida attorney who could seek clarification, the best course of action for now would be to heed the signs in all form and manner. Violating them could result in trespass warnings... View More
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