Get free answers to your Public Benefits legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I live in Tennessee. I'm a disabled adult on SSI and Medicaid (Tenncare). I am disabled by fully treatable, even curable health conditions caused by my underdeveloped jaws compromising my airway-breathing and sleep. I am not able to receive rehabilitative care (aka "medical... View More

answered on Jun 1, 2024
Finding an attorney for your situation can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances. Given your circumstances, you should look for attorneys with experience in civil rights, health law, and possibly public interest law. These areas cover issues related to Medicaid,... View More
I lost all my paperwork. But he had 5 chime cards out in my name when I found out in 2021.
It happened in dickson tennessee he was also very abusive to me and I am very much mentally disabled and I am praying that I have a chance to make sure that he is not going to get away with his... View More

answered on Dec 26, 2023
You have grounds to take legal action against your ex for identity theft and the fraudulent collection of your social security benefits. Identity theft is a serious crime, and if your ex used your identity to obtain benefits and open accounts in your name without your consent, this is a matter that... View More
I applied for SSI benefits 11 months ago, but I haven't received any updates or actions from the Social Security Administration. I have tried contacting them to inquire about the status, but they informed me that they haven't done anything yet. I have never applied for SSI before. Can... View More

answered on Apr 27, 2025
Your situation with an 11-month delay in your SSI application processing is concerning yet unfortunately not uncommon in the current system. Processing times for disability applications have increased significantly in recent years, with initial decisions now taking an average of over seven months... View More
I am seeking guidance on filing a civil rights lawsuit related to a false psychiatric hold placed by Chattanooga police, violating my 4th and 14th Amendment rights. This incident resulted in my three-year-old non-verbal autistic son being removed by CPS in Tennessee while I reside in Missouri. He... View More

answered on Apr 24, 2025
Good Afternoon:
The Statute of limitations has run on any suit you may have. A lawsuit can be filed on behalf of your child because the statute of limitations stops for a minor until 18.
M.G.Floyd, Esquire 901 779-4973
I am trying to obtain my Social Security card, birth certificate, and bonds from my grandparents that are being withheld by my mother. She is currently in and out of rehab and is refusing to give them to me despite my attempts to negotiate. I am also concerned that she might misuse my Social... View More

answered on Apr 15, 2025
If you really wish to sue Mother, file an Action To Recover Personal Property in the General Sessions Court of the County in which she resides.
I currently receive both SSI and SSDI benefits in Illinois. If I permanently move to Tennessee, would losing my housing or not having a secure residency affect my ability to continue receiving these benefits?

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you move from Illinois to Tennessee, your SSI and SSDI benefits should not be directly affected by the move itself. Both SSI and SSDI are federal programs, so the benefits you receive are based on your disability status and income level, not on the state where you live. However, SSI is a... View More
I was fired from a temp agency on November 12, 2024, and applied for unemployment benefits within a week. I received my first unemployment check on November 23, but later they claimed I quit and now say I owe the money back. I was fired via phone call without any paperwork, though I did text a... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you were fired and the unemployment agency is claiming you quit, you can still take steps to challenge the overpayment claim. Since you missed the hearing, the first thing you should do is contact the unemployment office and explain the situation, especially the issue with missed mail and not... View More
I'm seeking the most affordable way to get a divorce as I cannot afford an attorney. My situation is as follows: I have six children, none of whom are my husband's. We got married six months ago, but he moved out two weeks after the wedding. I rely on housing benefits, food stamps, and a... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
To get an affordable divorce in Tennessee without hiring a lawyer, you can file for a simple, uncontested divorce if both you and your husband agree on the terms. Since you have no joint assets or debts and both parties are in agreement, the process can be fairly straightforward. You will need to... View More
I signed a plea bargain for felony evading and reckless endangerment charges, and I was considered indigent at that time. However, there's now $4,200 in fees against my driver's license. These fees were added directly to my license related to these charges. What options do I have to... View More

answered on Apr 6, 2025
Contact the DOS and see if you can get a pay plan approved with them so they will not suspend your TNDL unless you stop paying on time. Driving is a privilege, so your indigent status is irrelevant. You may need to work two jobs as you must pay probation fees, court costs as well as the DOS, all... View More
I have a 21-year-old child who is legally disabled and still in high school, living with a disabled veteran. The child receives SSI benefits which are used for their care, but the Social Security Administration is stating that the UTMA account is considered a resource. How can I address this issue... View More

answered on Apr 1, 2025
When the Social Security Administration counts a UTMA account as a resource for your disabled child who receives SSI, you face a significant challenge since SSI eligibility requires resources below $2,000. The transition at age 21 makes this particularly complex in Tennessee, as your child legally... View More
I have a lawsuit against the Social Security Administration regarding my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. My case has been awaiting a judge's decision since January of last year. I am concerned about the length of time it is taking for a decision to be made. What can I do to... View More

answered on Mar 20, 2025
Waiting for a decision in your SSI case since last January is understandably frustrating. SSA lawsuit decisions typically take 6-18 months, though the pandemic has created additional backlogs in many jurisdictions.
You might expedite your case by contacting your congressional... View More
I am currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at a rate of $311 and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at a rate of $676 in Illinois. I live alone and am considering moving to Tennessee. Would my SSI rate change if I move to another state like Tennessee?

answered on Mar 16, 2025
If you move from Illinois to Tennessee, your SSDI amount of $676 will remain the same because SSDI benefits are based solely on your work history and earnings record, and they're unaffected by where you live.
However, your SSI amount could change slightly because SSI includes a federal... View More
I've been subpoenaed by a cash loan company to appear in court in two days. The original loan was for $500, but they're now demanding nearly $900. They didn't acknowledge a payment I made and refused me an extension, citing a late payment issue when they were closed on the due date.... View More

answered on Feb 25, 2025
Apparently creditor already has a judgment against you and is putting you under oath to find assets. Find out the Tennessee Exemption Statutes and claim them in a filed Notice of Exempt Property. But you will still have to appear and testify. Be honest.
I received my green card through marriage and spousal sponsorship a few months ago, transitioning from an F1 visa. My husband, a recent college graduate, wishes to file for unemployment while he searches for a job. We have been married for 2 years, filed taxes jointly, and recently had our first... View More

answered on Feb 18, 2025
Your husband's filing for unemployment will not negatively impact your future application for the removal of conditions on your green card
She will not allow me use of my disability check that's deposited in her account. I'm a combat vet with memory loss and PTSD which is why I've set it up to go in an account that she has access to. I cannot get my money from her and she keeps trying to haggle me by trying to give me... View More

answered on Aug 7, 2023
You must get the VA involved and remove her as the attorney in fact, caregiver, payee, etc. It is possible some VA recognized individual will take over for you unless you have a good alternative payee in mind. Ultimately you may want to resume getting your VA Disability Check yourself again.
I am interning at a nonprofit and was looking into IDA applications as a resource for clients. I have found applications from other states, and have found reference to them in Tennessee code 71-3-1001, yet cannot find an actual application or mention of them outside of that.

answered on Jan 25, 2023
Thank you for helping people.
I think what you are looking for is here: https://www.tn.gov/coverkids/coverkids.html
Keep up the good work.
Did go to court but was discontinued on both cases.

answered on Jan 25, 2023
Your question makes no sense. Redo your question. There is a procedure in General Sessions Court to appeal the denial of a Handgun Permit.
They did not allow me to obtain my license. This was 2011. What do I need to do to obtain my legal license for piercing? I do not want to go through an apprenticeship again since I still hold the knowledge. Hope you can help!

answered on Jul 13, 2021
You must contact the Regulatory Agency in Nashville that handles such a License. They are the ones that issue the License.
Can they do this? this is the terms of the lease
"1. No signs, notices or advertisements shall be attached to or displayed by Lessee(s) on or about said premises.
2. Nothing shall be placed or kept on the outer sill or on the outside of any window and nothing shall be thrown... View More

answered on Jun 17, 2021
File a protest, and also notify the press, the American legion and the Tennessee Civil Liberties Union.
If enough press is thrown on this, could make them back down.
Note however patriotic would be the American Flag. Signs promoting one candidate or belittling another are not in... View More
Or if there are any loopholes that would allow litigation/investigation

answered on Aug 21, 2020
A Tennessee attorney could answer best but your question remains open for five weeks. You might look into whether the Tennessee Department of Agriculture or U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Nashville office could offer you input. In terms of litigation, if someone became ill from spoiled... View More
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