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 16 years old, soon turning 17, and I'm trying to obtain a copy of my birth certificate and Social Security card. My mother abandoned me years ago, and I've been without these documents. Although I had them before, I have no legal guardian to assist me. I remember the state where I... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
To obtain your birth certificate and Social Security card in Florida, you will need to go through a few steps. Since you're a minor, the process might be a bit different, but it's still possible to do on your own, especially if you have some information about where you were born and where... View More
I've been dealing with health issues that caused financial hardship last month. I secured emergency rent assistance, but my landlord refuses to accept it and demands I vacate by April 20th. My lease states eviction can only occur for non-payment, but I can pay with the assistance funds. No... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It seems like your landlord may be violating your rights under Florida law. If you have secured rent assistance and are able to pay, your landlord cannot simply refuse it unless there is a valid reason. Since your lease states eviction can only occur for non-payment, and you are able to pay through... View More
I divorced in 2009 and was awarded periodic alimony of $800 per month. Later, my ex-husband took a pension buyout, and we both received a portion. He stopped paying alimony, and I mistakenly believed the obligation ended with the buyout. I remarried in 2017, divorced a year later, and recently... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
You would have to read your original settlement agreement carefully but more likely than not your alimony terminated when you remarried. Speak with a local family attorney for more specific advice.
In August 2024, my husband was hospitalized and underwent surgery. Afterward, he developed recurring C. diff issues and lost 50 pounds due to an inability to eat or drink. During his hospital stay, no IVs or nutritional support was initially provided until a doctor I knew intervened and ordered a... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
I'm so sorry you're going through this. It’s heartbreaking to see someone you love suffer, especially when you feel like the care he needed wasn’t provided in time. What you described—severe weight loss, lack of IVs or nutrition, and delayed intervention—raises serious concerns... View More
I have been experiencing significant financial discrepancies and a lack of transparency in my dealings with Celebrity School of Beauty, which I've been attending since November 2023. The school has taken out both subsidized and unsubsidized loans in my name, yet refuses to provide a clear... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
You have every right to be concerned—what you're describing raises serious red flags about transparency and proper use of financial aid. If the school took out federal loans in your name, they are required to provide you with a breakdown of how those funds were allocated, including tuition,... View More
I need advice on setting up Medicaid for my mother, who has early onset dementia. She owns two apartments; we're trying to sell one and keep the other for her to live in. Additionally, she's listed as a small business owner with a family business but is an absentee owner with my sister... View More
answered on Mar 31, 2025
In Florida, rental properties do not count as assets so long as they are generating income consistent with their fair market value. The income generated, however, IS considered countable income which could jeopardize eligibility and require the creation of a Qualified Income Trust (aka Miller... 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
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