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Georgia Public Benefits Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Eligibility for SSD after cervical fusion surgery and back injury in Georgia

I am considering applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) in Georgia. I underwent cervical fusion surgery and lost 40% of rotation in my neck. Over a year ago, a 500-pound machine fell on my back. How do these conditions impact my eligibility for SSD?

Christopher Lane Rouse
Christopher Lane Rouse
answered on Oct 17, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about your injuries. Based on what you’ve described—cervical fusion with limited neck movement—this can form the basis for a solid Social Security Disability claim. As always with legal questions, it depends on many factors, including how these limitations affect your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Received a bank levy affecting my Social Security income. What can I do?

I received a bank levy today, and my account is already frozen. I am on Social Security, which is my sole source of income, and I haven't had time to dispute the levy or respond. When I called, they mentioned they communicated with me in 2024, but I don't remember receiving any notice.... View More

Scott McKenzie Stevens
Scott McKenzie Stevens
answered on Oct 10, 2025

Social Security Income is exempt from garnishment under federal law. Typically a bank will state in its Answer the funds in the account are social security funds and therefore exempt. Since the bank apparently did not assert this, you will need to file a Defendant's Claim (Traverse) in the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Real Estate Law and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: How much time do we have to vacate after the house with son's name on deed is sold?

I live with family members, and my son's name is also on the deed of the house. Both my son and I are on Social Security and Social Security Disability. We are not currently in a position to buy out other family members and, unfortunately, cannot afford to move. The house has not yet been put... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Oct 8, 2025

If your son's name is on the deed, it cannot be sold without his consent unless a court orders the sale of the property. If someone is trying to force you to sell, hire an attorney. The process of forcing someone to sell their property is known as a partition. It is a lawsuit that either... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Can my grandmother qualify as a joint sponsor for my K-1 visa with her income?

I am preparing a K-1 visa application and considering my grandmother as a joint sponsor for the I-134 Affidavit of Support. She is 84, retired, receives $33,000 annually from Social Security, plus $7,000 from retirement funds, totaling $40,000. She doesn't file a tax return due to her income... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
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answered on Aug 14, 2025

This case is in the gray area. USCIS doesn’t look favorably on a joint sponsor who doesn’t file tax returns and some U.S. Consulates do not accept joint sponsors for K visas. This case can still be approved with a well documented case filing. Finally, once the case is approved, you will still... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, DUI / DWI and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: How can I get a pardon/expungement to regain my driver's license in Georgia?

I am seeking guidance to obtain a pardon and/or have my record expunged to regain my driver's license. Over 20 years ago, I was charged with serious injury by vehicle, for which I served 3 out of a 10-year sentence and fulfilled all parole conditions. Additionally, I have misdemeanors and two... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Jul 22, 2025

It will be with your time to first go get an official copy of your GCIC from the GBI, and thats pretty easy. You need to have the formal list of exactly WHAT is on your record if you want to address the public listings.

GA does not do expungements anymore, at least for cases afte 1997 or... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Public Benefits and Employment Law for Georgia on
Q: Facing 9 counts of theft by taking in GA, denied indigent defense due to income despite layoff, need advice.

I have a jury trial scheduled for April 7th in Forsyth County, Georgia, regarding 9 counts of theft by taking related to stealing lottery tickets due to my severe gambling addiction. I feel remorseful and want to apologize to my employer. I've applied for indigent defense but was denied due to... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Apr 6, 2025

Forsyth is rather strict with some of their interpretations and do not pull punches with prosecutions.

You need to re-apply for indigent defense and document the process thoroughly

There are also a variety of legal service providers for different income levels, and you would be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Federal Crimes, Identity Theft and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: This is about a ' Identity Theft ' case.. Ahem.. during the Pandemic, a person's identity was falsely used to acquire ..

Banking institution cards ( credit , debit ) and committed felony theft by way of using stolen identity to steal pandemic unemployment benefits. Suspect arrested , bonded out, yet still haven't had a court date. Has been about 2- 3 years .. is there a time frame for getting this to court?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 22, 2024

Given the nature of this question, I'll provide some general information about the legal process for identity theft cases in Georgia, while noting that specific timelines can vary:

1. Statute of limitations: In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most felonies, including identity... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: If the VA has me deemed totally unemployable, can the county stop paying me disability retirement?

I was a deputy sheriff for DeKalb county. I was allowed to medically retire because of my PTSD. As of March, my disability pension stopped because the county says their doctors feel I can come back to work. I have been declared totally unemployable by the Department of Veteran Affairs. I'm... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

If the VA has declared you totally unemployable due to PTSD, but the county has stopped your disability retirement benefits, you have a few steps you can take. First, gather all relevant documentation, including your VA unemployability determination and any medical records supporting your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Estate Planning, Probate and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Teacher retirement benefits

If the husband dies and leaving the widow the benefits and she dies, who shall the benefits go to?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

When a teacher passes away and leaves their retirement benefits to a widow, the next steps regarding the benefits after the widow's death depend on the specific rules of the retirement system. Each retirement system has its own set of policies for the distribution of benefits after the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Georgia on
Q: What are my chances of winning a disability case with schizophrenia in Georgia?

I'm diagnosed with schizophrenia, experiencing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and hearing voices. My medications, including Invega and Risperidone, have been adjusted but are still ineffective as I'm being prepared for a new injection. My doctor has identified my condition as... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

Based on what you’ve described, you have a strong case for disability benefits, especially if your medical records and your doctor’s statements clearly show how schizophrenia and your other conditions prevent you from maintaining full-time employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA)... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Is there a way to reduce a citation for a first-time moving violation in GA?

I received a citation in Georgia for a moving violation where I tapped the brakes at a stop sign before making a right turn when it was my turn. I'm a 68-year-old retiree, a transplant patient living off Social Security, and this is my first violation. I'm concerned about the financial... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 2, 2025

In Georgia, there are several ways you can try to reduce or dismiss a moving violation, especially since this is your first offense and you have a clean driving record. When you appear in court, you can politely explain your circumstances to the judge—your age, health situation, and spotless... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: How long can I receive long-term disability insurance benefits after reinstatement, and can I receive both insurance and SSDI benefits?

I was receiving long-term disability insurance benefits, which were stopped after 24 months because the insurer said I didn't meet their requirement for being disabled and sent a list of jobs they thought I could do. I appealed this decision, and they reversed it, stating my benefits would be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 30, 2025

It’s a good sign that your appeal was successful and your long-term disability (LTD) benefits were reinstated. Generally, LTD benefits can continue until you reach the policy’s maximum duration — often until **age 65** or your **retirement age**, depending on the terms of your plan. Since... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: How long can I receive both long-term disability and Social Security Disability benefits?

My long-term disability insurance was canceled but I filed an appeal which was decided in my favor, and the insurance was reinstated after 6 months. During this time, I started receiving Social Security Disability benefits, which began 3 months ago. I recently received confirmation that my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2025

You can receive long-term disability (LTD) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at the same time, but most LTD policies offset what they pay by the amount of SSDI you receive. That means you still get both benefits, yet your LTD check typically gets reduced by your SSDI award and any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Insurance Bad Faith and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Can long-term disability benefits be reinstated after SSD approval?

I was on long-term disability through my insurance carrier in Georgia, and they instructed me to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD). My long-term disability benefits ended while I was waiting for a decision. I've since been approved for SSD. During this time, there has been no contact... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2025

Yes, you can seek reinstatement, but Social Security Disability approval does not automatically restart your long‑term disability payments. Your rights turn on the policy language and why the insurer stopped paying—most policies shift from an “own occupation” to an “any occupation”... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Exclusion of foreign retirement benefits in Georgia tax returns

Are foreign-equivalent old age retirement social security benefits excluded from taxation in Georgia state tax returns for legal residents?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 1, 2025

In Georgia, U.S. Social Security retirement benefits are excluded from state income tax, which means residents do not pay Georgia tax on those payments. The issue becomes less clear when it comes to foreign retirement benefits that are the equivalent of social security in another country. Georgia... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law, Family Law and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Clarification on benefits post-divorce from disabled veteran in GA.

I was married to a disabled veteran for 14 years and divorced for 3 years. During our marriage, I received medical benefits and funds as his fiduciary. I never received any official notice about the cessation of these benefits after our divorce. There were no legal agreements regarding benefits... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 5, 2025

I know this is confusing and stressful, so here is the bottom line. You are not entitled to ongoing military medical, commissary, or exchange benefits as a former spouse because eligibility ends at divorce unless you meet the 20‑20‑20 or 20‑20‑15 rules, and a 14‑year marriage does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Public Benefits and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: Retired, told insurance included. Insurance canceled after audit. Now asked to repay claims. No prior notice. What to do?

When I retired, I was told I would retain my health insurance, and for over 4 years, all claims were paid. I was never informed about any premiums, so I assumed insurance was part of my retirement package. In May 2025, my doctor’s office informed me that my insurance had been canceled. Aetna... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 28, 2025

This is a very stressful situation, but you do have options. Since you were never informed about premiums or an audit, the first step is to request all records in writing from both the retirement benefits office and the insurance provider. Ask for documentation showing when they claim you were... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: How can I handle divorce in Georgia without legal support or funds?

My husband filed for divorce in Georgia. He has left me without support, and I have no means to pay for a lawyer, rent a place to live, or acquire a vehicle. I draw widowers' social security as my only income. I have been served with divorce papers but have not yet responded. We have cars and... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Sep 8, 2025

You will need to represent yourself, if you cannot afford an attorney, as attorneys are working and should also get paid for the work they do. You should file an Answer in a timely manner and then proceed with handling the rest of your case as a pro se litigant. You may also petition the court... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts, Social Security and Public Benefits for Georgia on
Q: Can I sue my sister for money from a settlement check I signed over to her?

I had a lawsuit with Uber and signed the check to my older sister because I'm on Social Security and couldn't deposit it into my account. The check was for $69,000 or $70,000, but the account was in her name only. We had a verbal agreement about the handling of the money, but she has... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 20, 2025

Yes, you can sue your sister to recover the money, because what you described is essentially a breach of an agreement and possibly conversion, which means taking property that belongs to someone else. Even though your agreement was verbal, the fact that the check was made out to you, and you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Social Security, Car Accidents, Public Benefits and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: Arrested for DUI with no breathalyzer, arthritis affects sobriety test, unable to afford attorney. Options?

I’m 78 years old and was stopped by the police for a bent license plate after going through a car wash. They asked me to get out of the car, put handcuffs on me, and arrested me without reading my rights. I had not consumed alcohol, although there was an unopened beer in the car. I was charged... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

You’ve been through a lot, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. At 78 and with health issues like arthritis, facing a DUI charge—especially when you haven’t been drinking—can feel deeply unfair. The fact that no breathalyzer test was performed and that you were arrested... View More

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