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Oregon Public Benefits Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Elder Law, Bankruptcy, Landlord - Tenant, Social Security, Real Estate Law and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: Is voluntary repossession of a travel trailer the best option for us given our financial situation?

I am 88 years old, and my wife is 86. We require a living environment with some assistance. Our only income is Social Security, approximately $46,000 annually. We have a travel trailer, bank-financed, that we will no longer need. The remaining balance on the loan is $30,000, and we have no other... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Aug 5, 2025

Your best option is probably to have a friend or family member help you try to sell the travel trailer. If that is not successful, then consignment probably makes sense. If you find that you cannot sell the trailer and cannot make the monthly payments it is best to contact the financial... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Collections and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: Should I fight a $34,000 collections lawsuit or file bankruptcy in Oregon?

I am permanently disabled and awaiting my Railroad Retirement Board award. I have a $34,000 loan collection lawsuit pending and approximately $22,000 in credit card debt in collection. I own a home with a mortgage and a paid-off truck. Should I fight the collections lawsuit or consider filing for... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 23, 2025

You should fully CONSIDER a voluntary form of bankruptcy, WITH experienced bankruptcy counsel, with ALL your assets, debts and exemptions allowable under Oregon/Bankruptcy law. A voluntary bankruptcy is a major financial step and deserves that level of planning and thought.

Without full... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Public Benefits and Estate Planning for Oregon on
Q: Will a $10,000-$11,000 inheritance affect my SSDI in Oregon?

I currently receive SSDI benefits and am expecting an inheritance valued between $10,000 and $11,000. I plan to use the money to catch up on bills and potentially repair my truck. How might this inheritance impact my SSDI benefits, and are there any specific steps I should take to ensure compliance... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on May 29, 2025

SSDI is NOT needed based (no asset test) so it will not be affected by any inheritance.

If you were receiving SSI, which is needs based, you would need to quickly develop a strategy to spend your inheritance in such a way as to not impact your SSI.

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Social Security and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: How can I obtain proof of my citizenship after mother's passing?

I came to the U.S. from Thailand at the age of 5 as a refugee from the war in Burma, part of the Karen minority group. My family was granted asylum in 2008. My mother, who held all our immigration documents, passed away last year while living with my brother in Arkansas. I attended her funeral but... View More

Symantha Rhodes
Symantha Rhodes
answered on May 19, 2025

My condolences and sorry you are having this experience.

Since your family was granted asylum in 2008, and you were a minor at the time, there's a good chance you derived citizenship through your mother, If you were under 18 when your mother became a U.S. citizen. It's important... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: My disabled son's governmentally assigned insurance company is not covering doctor prescribed medicine -- without cause.

My son has many diagnoses. In his case notes it is documented that he can only take ODT tablets. He does not have the ability to swallow medication. But, these types of pharmaceuticals cost more. The government assigned insurance companies (out of the blue) deny him coverage (often) "JUST... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 3, 2024

An Oregon attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Your frustration is understandable, given the clear medical necessity for ODTs.

To answer your question, you could find a lawyer through independent searches, the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Government Contracts, Public Benefits and Social Security for Oregon on
Q: What Oregon REVISED STATUTE replaced the repealed ORS CODE 240.379 - 394?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 12, 2024

The Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) code 240.379 to 240.394 dealt with the State Personnel Relations Law. These statutes were repealed in 1979.

After researching the current ORS, it appears that the statutes that replaced the repealed ORS 240.379 to 240.394 are:

ORS 243.650 to 243.782... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Public Benefits and Social Security for Oregon on
Q: I am trying to get my union retirement. They're say they need my SS earnings from when I stopped working for them

I stopped working for them in 2009, they want the SS earnings from then until I retired from the non union, non electrical job I had until March 1st 2024. Can they legally make me give that to them? I thought that was private information and it does not have anything to do with my union work our my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

In your situation, it's understandable why you might be concerned about the request for your Social Security earnings information. While your Social Security earnings history is generally private, there are certain circumstances where it can be requested by third parties, such as for verifying... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Banking and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: how are social security and long-term disability benefits are affected by a Pers benifit of $21,000. rollover or cash ?

Don't want loose $ if I can do a rollover to a trust? Or rollover to something else?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 10, 2024

When considering how Social Security and long-term disability benefits are affected by a PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) benefit of $21,000, it's important to understand the specific rules and regulations.

1. Social Security: In general, receiving a PERS benefit should not... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Public Benefits and Social Security for Oregon on
Q: i need a ssi lawyer

been dissabled since 13 never worked and have been on ssi and they denied my benifits ive appled as well over and over again

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your SSI benefits. It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated after multiple denials. In situations like these, seeking legal assistance from a lawyer who has experience with SSI cases can be beneficial. They can help... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: Does getting snap benefit and Medicare affect getting approved for citizenship?

I got this as a legal Permanent Resident due to reduction in income as well as increased expenses. No employment at all and also going to college as a full-time student. Trying to apply for US Citizenship, afraid that this can become an issue.

Symantha Rhodes
Symantha Rhodes
answered on Dec 26, 2023

Receiving Snap and Medicare does not affect your eligibility for citizenship. If you obtained your LPR through a sponsor who submitted an affidavit of support for you, it may affect them depending on the timeframe. Also, if you intend to sponsor a family member for LPR, you may need to use a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: Does getting snap benefit and Medicare affect getting approved for citizenship?

I got this as a legal Permanent Resident due to reduction in income as well as increased expenses. No employment at all and also going to college as a full-time student. Trying to apply for US Citizenship, afraid that this can become an issue.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

Receiving SNAP benefits and Medicare typically does not directly affect your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. As a legal permanent resident applying for citizenship, the primary considerations are factors like your length of residency, physical presence, moral character, and understanding of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Employment Law, Public Benefits, Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Oregon on
Q: Can I get compensation from Kaiser Permanente for a misdiagnosis that caused financial struggles?

I have been experiencing severe pain radiating from my groin and lower abdomen over the last four years. Despite numerous scans and tests, my doctors attributed the issue primarily to my weight, and a urologist proposed an orchiectomy without certainty of it resolving the problem, which I refused.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2025

You can pursue a medical-negligence claim if you can prove that Kaiser’s clinicians failed to meet the applicable standard of care, that this misdiagnosis delayed the correct hip-related diagnosis, and that the delay caused your damages. Those damages can include lost wages and jobs,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Public Benefits and Gov & Administrative Law for Oregon on
Q: Seeking legal advice for surrendering on warrants with severe health issues and financial limitations in Oregon.

I am 66 years old and have two no-bail warrants out of Multnomah County for failing to appear (FTA). I'm also under investigation in Clackamas County regarding some theft allegations. I wish to surrender on the warrants but have life-threatening health issues, including CHF, CKD, DJD, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2025

Given your serious health conditions and mobility limitations, it’s important to approach surrender with caution and proper legal support. You can request a public defender through the court since you are indigent; you are entitled to legal representation even if you cannot pay. Contact the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Social Security, Public Benefits and Elder Law for Oregon on
Q: Seeking pro bono attorney for voluntary surrender with health issues in Oregon.

I am 66 years old and dealing with severe health issues, including heart and kidney failure, degenerative joint disease, and severe peripheral neuropathy, for which I take multiple medications daily. I have an outstanding "failure to appear" warrant and wish to turn myself in voluntarily.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 13, 2025

You are in a difficult situation, and the most important step is to make sure you do not face this process alone. Given your health conditions, you need someone to stand before the court and explain why your circumstances require careful handling. A lawyer can help the court understand your medical... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: What can I do if I was fired after medical leave due to a bleeding disorder, despite notifying my employer and submitting FMLA paperwork?

I was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder and have been out of work since January 10th. I communicated with my employer as I received information, completed the FMLA paperwork, and applied for short-term disability. However, I was never offered long-term disability. On May 20th, I was terminated,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025

First, gather all documentation showing that you notified your employer about your condition, submitted the FMLA paperwork, and applied for short-term disability. Keep copies of emails, letters, and any records of conversations that prove you provided updates as required. This will help support... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law, Public Benefits, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Oregon on
Q: Contesting eviction noncompliance claim in OR due to late rent payment after notifying landlord.

I am contesting a claim of noncompliance with a stipulated agreement for eviction in Oregon. The landlord claims I didn't comply with the condition to pay rent on time for May, June, and July. I was late with July's rent due to an emergency involving my support animal and unexpectedly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025

You have several potential defenses to contest the noncompliance claim. First, you can argue that you communicated your emergency and delay in writing, and the apartment manager acknowledged it, which could demonstrate that you acted in good faith and were not willfully failing to comply. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Workers' Compensation, Public Benefits and Personal Injury for Oregon on
Q: How is property ownership resolved after adding spouse to deed in Oregon?

I have owned my house for seven years before getting married in Oregon and added my spouse to the deed during refinancing for debt consolidation due to his better credit score. Now, after 25 years of marriage, he claims ownership of at least half of the house, even though he only contributed to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025

When you added your spouse to the deed during refinancing, you effectively gave him a legal ownership interest in the property. In Oregon, once a spouse is added to the title, the law generally treats the home as marital property, regardless of who initially purchased it or how it was funded. This... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: Forgot case number on SNAP reapplication forms; how to correct?

I forgot to write my case number on the SNAP reapplication forms I submitted. I haven't checked my phone recently, so I'm not sure if the SNAP office has tried to contact me about this issue. Is it possible to correct this oversight now, and what steps should I take?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 24, 2025

Forgetting to write your case number on your SNAP reapplication forms is something that can usually be fixed without too much trouble. The most important thing is to act quickly so your benefits aren’t delayed. Even if the office tried to reach you and you missed the call, you can still take the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Social Security, Tax Law, Consumer Law and Public Benefits for Oregon on
Q: Seeking help for senior scammed into IRS debt

I work for a local non-profit and am trying to help a senior client who is susceptible to scams. During COVID, she was scammed into giving her personal information to someone who took out a fraudulent business loan in her name. Now, the IRS claims she owes $100,000 due to this fraud. She is living... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges your client is facing. It’s important to know that there are resources available to help in situations like this. Since she’s been scammed, the first thing to do is file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits, Adoption, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Oregon on
Q: Can the state (DHS) force a person to be tested for a disability as part of foster parent certification?

We are in Oregon, applying to be adopt a child from California (ICPC). In one of the interviews I mentioned I might have high functioning autism because struggle with some social skills (I am a geek). The state then required me to be tested (be tested or we will deny your application). Which... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

It sounds like you're dealing with an incredibly frustrating and unfair situation. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), government agencies cannot impose unnecessary medical testing or discriminate based on perceived disabilities. If the test was unrelated to your ability to... View More

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