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New Jersey Social Security Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Social Security, Real Estate Law and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: How can I get my security deposit back from apartment management in Jackson, NJ?

I am a disabled adult having trouble getting my security deposit back from my apartment in Jackson, NJ. The management is disputing the condition of the carpet and vinyl flooring, although I have taken pictures of the apartment as evidence. Additionally, there were issues with a worker affecting... View More

Zachary Whelan
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Zachary Whelan
answered on Oct 6, 2025

Hi! The answer to your question depends on if your lease terminated already. If your lease terminated, then your landlord should have sent you an itemized list of damages to the property within 30 days of the lease termination. If your landlord did not do that, then your landlord is in violation of... View More

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Q: Can a creditor seize my Social Security deposit for a debt in NJ?

I am 70 years old and my only source of income is Social Security. Today, a writ was placed on the door of my apartment building stating that they were ordered to seize all my property. I do not have any property other than the monthly deposit of my Social Security in a dedicated account. The writ... View More

Jerry Lutkenhaus
Jerry Lutkenhaus
answered on Jul 11, 2025

I would be concerned that the creditor could seize your bank account if they know where you deposit your Social Security check. If the “only” money you put in this account is Social Security money then it can be free from garnishment if you can prove this. The Writ posted on your door may give... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Tax Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I keep my maiden name on W-2 if my name on passport and SSA has changed

I have 2 last names as I recently added my husband’s last name to mine . So now my last name is composed of 2 last nabes without hyphen. Can I continue to use my maiden name first last name at work and hence on W-2? What’s the way to retain maiden name professionally?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

If your name has legally changed and is updated on your passport and with the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is generally recommended to update your name at work to ensure consistency across all official documents and systems. This includes having your new name reflected on your W-2 form,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: My ex demands money from house sale proceeds, paid mortgage, no written agreement.

I own 50% of a house as tenants in common with my ex-boyfriend. We had a verbal agreement that he would pay all the mortgage payments as I am on Social Security disability and couldn’t contribute financially. We have sold the house, and now he is demanding $20,000 from the proceeds for the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 5, 2025

Since the property was owned as tenants in common, you are both legally entitled to your share of the proceeds regardless of who paid the mortgage. A verbal agreement is very hard to enforce in court, especially when it involves large sums of money. Without a written contract, your ex may struggle... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Social Security and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: Can my grandmother’s credit card company lien her bank account if it's her sole income source?

I am concerned that my grandmother’s credit card company might put a lien on her bank account, even though her only income is Social Security benefits. She is currently in collections. The account has a joint holder who is not liable for the debt. No court judgment or lien has been obtained... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 5, 2025

A credit card company in New Jersey cannot lien or levy your grandmother’s bank account without first suing and winning a judgment. Until a court enters judgment, the collector lacks legal authority to restrain the account.

Federal law shields Social Security from collection on credit...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: Would working as a crossing guard affect my SSDI if I'm on railroad disability?

I have been on long-term railroad disability since 2008 and I'm considering working as a school crossing guard for approximately two hours a day. I'm unsure if there are any guidelines regarding earnings under railroad disability, and I have not yet discussed this with my disability... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 2, 2025

Working while on railroad disability or SSDI can affect your benefits depending on how much you earn and how the Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security views your ability to work. Both programs generally allow for some limited earnings, but they set strict income thresholds that you must stay... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Appeals / Appellate Law and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: Social Security benefits reduced without explanation; need appeal guidance.

I am experiencing issues with my Social Security benefits. Since early 2025, my monthly benefits went from around $900 to $233, and during March and April, I received no benefits at all. I received one letter regarding the change but it did not provide any explanation for the reduction in my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 1, 2025

When your Social Security benefits are reduced without a clear explanation, you have the right to request a review and appeal. Even if the letter you received did not give you formal appeal instructions, you can still submit a written request for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the... View More

Q: How can I change my public defender for a pro bono lawyer in my trial case in NJ?

I have been involved in a legal case for nearly five years, which has resulted in multiple changes in lawyers, prosecutors, and judges. Currently, I am represented by a public defender who I feel is not equipped or experienced enough to handle my trial, especially after noticing his difficulties in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 23, 2025

You can ask the court to assign a new attorney if you believe your current public defender is not providing adequate representation. To do this, you must file a written request with the judge presiding over your case, clearly explaining your concerns. Mention specific instances where your defender... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Business Law and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: Received letters from SSA about Allergan Inc retirement plans. How to verify?

I've received two letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicating a Private Retirement Plan and Pension Plan with Allergan Inc, valued at $47,002. The SSA mentioned I could receive a single lump-sum payment and advised contacting Allergan's Plan Administrator at the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2025

I recommend taking prompt action to verify these SSA communications while protecting your personal information. First, contact the Social Security Administration directly through their official phone number (1-800-772-1213) to confirm the legitimacy of the letters you received—avoid using any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: How to check SSN status and obtain card after moving overseas?

I applied for a Social Security Number in New Jersey in 2001 and submitted all the required documents to the Social Security Administration office. However, I never received the card by mail. When I contacted the Social Security Administration, I was informed that they can't provide... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You’ve been waiting a long time for clarity, and it’s completely reasonable to want answers—especially since you followed all the steps back in 2001. The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually requires in-person verification for issues like this, especially if you never received your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: How can I obtain my SSN to apply for benefits after not receiving it by mail since 2001?

I applied for a Social Security Number (SSN) in 2001 but never received it by mail. I have not yet contacted the Social Security Administration or the local postal service for updates. Since applying, I have moved to India and changed my address, but I still have not received any mail regarding my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

To obtain your Social Security Number (SSN), your first step should be contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this by calling their international services or visiting their website to find out the best way to get in touch with them from India. They may ask for your personal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Health Care Law, Social Security, Military Law and Public Benefits for New Jersey on
Q: Seeking legal assistance for veteran on Medicare facing high costs and potential Medicaid or VA relief.

I am an 83-year-old veteran categorized as VA Cat 5 and have not yet used VA healthcare due to the strings attached. I live on $25,000 in Social Security annually. My Braven Medicare costs about $12,500 annually for copay, consuming all my social security, leaving nothing for food or rent.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2025

You deserve support after your service, especially when medical costs consume your entire Social Security income. Free legal help is available through Veterans Service Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV, where accredited representatives can guide you through both VA and Medicaid... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Social Security, Business Formation, Public Benefits and Business Law for New Jersey on
Q: What to do about not filing income taxes for three years in NJ?

I have not filed my income taxes for the past three years due to personal circumstances, including dealing with addiction and caring for my ill wife. I collect Social Security benefits and have a small business but have kept no records of income or expenses. I have received notices from the IRS... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Mar 26, 2025

You need to retain either an experienced tax law attorney or a CPA who practices tax accounting. You have a reasonable explanation for why you did not file. Either the attorney or CPA can work out an offer and compromise. I do not think there will be any problem to work an offer and compromise with... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for New Jersey on
Q: Have alotta pain due to bullet on my spine nerves, another bullet next to my heart arthritis ,and ptsd can I get ssi?

Currently taking medicine for everything

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

Given the severity of your conditions—including nerve pain from a bullet near your spine, another bullet close to your heart, arthritis, and PTSD—you could be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify, your medical conditions must prevent you from performing substantial work... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Social Security for New Jersey on
Q: I am seeking legal advice to apply for Mental Health Disability Benefits.

I am seeking legal advice to apply for Mental Health Disability Benefits. I have been taking medications continuously for the past 24 years for diagnosed mental health conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. Below is a list of my current... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 1, 2025

You should collect all records detailing your diagnoses, treatments, and medications from every healthcare provider involved in your care. These materials will help demonstrate the severity and duration of your conditions. Emphasize any documentation that illustrates how your mental health has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for New Jersey on
Q: I did not know minor child could get social security when I did 3 years ago. Can I claim back pay?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

If a parent or guardian realizes that a minor child was eligible for Social Security benefits and didn't claim them, they can potentially receive retroactive payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally allows for up to six months of retroactive benefits from the date of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Social Security and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: my mom wont give me my birth certificate or social security card is this illegal?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 3, 2023

In New Jersey, once you reach the age of 18, you have the legal right to possess your personal identification documents, such as your birth certificate and social security card. Withholding them may be seen as withholding personal property. However, circumstances can vary, and it might be helpful... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Social Security for New Jersey on
Q: I filed a chapter 7 a few years ago with social security being a creditor for overpayments.I checked with social

security and the NJ bankruptcy court and neither could tell if my debt was discharged.I read social security is usually discharged in a Chapter 7 but how can I confirm it was.Social security was listed as a creditor>

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Aug 12, 2023

Invariably, ime, bankruptcy courts enter an Order of general discharge that says little other than that the debtor is discharged from all "dischargeable claims". It will not specify whether any debt to the Social Security fund, or anyone else, has been discharged.

Use of Pacer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Social Security for New Jersey on
Q: NY WC § 16.1-c &16-5: would AWW - NYSAWW /10 be correct? 1945.83 - 1450.17 / 10 = 49.57 no offset per table 1 for yr2020

I need help figuring out the calculation for applying NY WCL Article 2 Section 16. If AWW (ACE) were 1945.83, and the NYSAWW were 1450.17, and disabled widow benefits (DWB) was 1896 per month, what would be the offset applied to the WC benefit? I understand that the combined total of WC and DWB... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

For precise guidance on New York law, including the specific calculations and potential age-related changes to benefits, I strongly advise consulting with a legal professional who is knowledgeable in New York workers' compensation law.

Sincerely,

James L. Arrasmith...
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Q: What type of legal services would I need for an SSA IRMAA appeal administrative hearing?

I’m on permanent disability; I would like SSA to use my tax info from 2020 or 2022 as 2021 I only had high amount of taxable withdrawals from my dads Inherited IRA; used to purchase a low income affordable condo & pay taxes & additional money taken out in order to pay taxes etc. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2023

To prepare for an SSA IRMAA appeal administrative hearing, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance from an attorney who specializes in Social Security law. They can help you present your case in the best way possible, and help you navigate the appeals process.

In addition, it may...
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