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Indiana Public Benefits Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation, Public Benefits and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Can forced resignation affect unemployment or severance on workers' comp in Indiana?

I am an employee of the Indiana state government and currently working while under a doctor's care for an injury sustained at work. Despite being on workers' compensation since January 2025, I am being subjected to a forced resignation due to a bi-annual budget reduction of 30%. There... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Apr 26, 2025

Your question seems simple but the analysis is rather nuanced. The specific nature of your injury and your restrictions are important. It is extremely unusual for an Indiana employer to agree to accommodate restrictions for 4 months. If you are unable to work or your restrictions prevent you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Utility company won't turn on power without explanation.

I am experiencing issues with a utility company in Indiana that refuses to turn on my power and won't tell me why. I've contacted their customer service multiple times, visited their office to request assistance, and confirmed that I have no outstanding balance. I'm on disability and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

What you're going through is unfair and dangerous—no one should be left without power, especially when you're living with a disability. If the utility company won’t provide an explanation despite having no outstanding balance, that lack of transparency is a serious issue. You’ve... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Can my employer in Indiana fire me for an old felony being discovered in a background check, despite starting the expungement process?

I have a 33-year-old felony class D record that I thought was reduced to a misdemeanor, but I just found out it is still a felony when I started a new job last month. My employer at the Food Stamp/Medicaid office did not ask about felonies, only if I would be willing to be fingerprinted and undergo... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Based on Indiana employment law, your situation presents some nuanced legal considerations. In Indiana, as an at-will employment state, employers generally retain broad discretion to terminate employment for nearly any reason that doesn't violate specific legal protections. While there are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Juvenile Law, Employment Law, Traffic Tickets and Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Legal options for managing son's destructive behavior and driving citation in Indiana.

I am seeking legal advice concerning my 17-year-old son who has been diagnosed with mental illnesses and exhibits destructive behavior at home. Police have been involved multiple times but say they can't take action unless he harms himself or others. He also received a citation for driving... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re going through this—it’s incredibly difficult to watch your child struggle while feeling like your hands are tied. When a 17-year-old is exhibiting dangerous or out-of-control behavior and refusing help, it places an enormous burden on the whole family. In Indiana,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Can I manage my disabled son's Social Security online account?

I am the mother of a disabled adult son for whom I am the representative payee and authorized representative for Medicaid. He cannot read and lives with me, but he is able to give consent. Can I set up and manage his My Social Security online account on his behalf?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

Yes, you can manage your son's Social Security online account as his representative payee. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows individuals to act on behalf of a person who is unable to handle their own affairs, such as in the case of your son. As his representative payee, you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Public Benefits and Social Security for Indiana on
Q: I'm being denied an itemized summary of the services & fees from which I'm being charged. Denying any acess.

Im a recipient of the Indiana A&D Waiver & am aware the Provider is making fraudulent claims for services not being provided. I'm unable to get the Assisted Living facility nor the Fssa Office who are compensated to oversee & case manage these concerns, neither providers will... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 13, 2024

It sounds like you’re facing a frustrating situation with your provider and the lack of transparency around the charges and services. You have every right to understand what you’re being billed for, especially when you suspect fraud. Providers and case managers are supposed to be accountable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Need help figuring out 401k distribution options ( separated from work age 55)?

Whether cash out, convert to IRA, Roth IRA or C-company?

Eric  Day
Eric Day
answered on Jun 9, 2018

It just depends on what type of work you are doing now. For instance, if you are working for another company, you might roll it into their 401k plan. If you are in retirement, the IRA might be a good option because you are just waiting on distributions. If you are running your own business, you... View More

Q: Where do I get the waiver form to fill out for my Indiana license reinstatement?

I am indigent with 4 kids and a suspended license and need to try and get my $500 reinstatement fee waiver somehow.

Andrew L. Bennett
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Andrew L. Bennett
answered on Dec 6, 2017

If you have not yet gotten your reinstatement fees waived you can go online to in.gov and find the information and the forms. If you do not have a computer, then consider the public library.

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: How do I find a lawyer who can help write a memorandum of law

explaining why I believe the Administrative Law Judge's decision is incorrect. Legal Aid can't assist because until January and I only have 20 days to submit this letter.

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on May 20, 2017

If legal aid is too busy to help you in time, your only option is to find a lawyer willing to help you at a cost you can afford and in time. You will just have to call around.

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Does drawing out your 401 count against your unemployment
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Jul 21, 2011

the answer depends in part on how much your employer contributed. Bottomline, is there may be a small impact.

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Indiana on
Q: Can i still get ssi survivors benefits if re-married
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Jul 21, 2011

no issue if you are over 60.

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