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Washington Public Benefits Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Banking and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Can I use funds from a joint account with grandmother's survivor benefits?

I am on a joint bank account with my grandmother, who receives survivor benefits as the primary source of funds in this account. She added me to the account to ensure her needs are fulfilled, and she has explicitly told me that I can use the account for myself if needed. Am I legally allowed to use... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

If your grandmother has added you to joint bank account as a co-equal member of the account, you can use funds from the account.

HOWEVER, if it were me, I'd first get something in writing to this effect from my grandmother, witnessed and notarized, to avoid any allegations two years...
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Q: How far does Immunity go?

Does a state official have any immunity when he or she commits fraud, lies to a claimant on a recorded phone call and deceives the federal government, especially when it involves federal funds...?...

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

In the context of state officials and immunity, it's important to understand that while certain immunities exist, they are not absolute. Generally, state officials enjoy what is known as "qualified immunity" when performing their official duties. This immunity protects them from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: Seeking advice on possible additional SSI back pay based on initial 2011 filing.

I applied for SSI in 2011 due to severe health issues after a medical incident in 2010. I was denied multiple times, including by an administrative law judge whom I felt was prejudiced. Eventually, I secured SSI approval after speaking to someone from eastern Washington who acknowledged I was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

It sounds like you've been through a long and difficult journey with your SSI case, and it's understandable to want clear answers about what you're owed. In general, SSI back pay usually starts from the date you were found eligible, not necessarily the date you first... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Are Washington unemployment benefits affected by a lump sum 401k distribution?

In Washington State, are the employment security benefits that I am currently receiving reduced if I take a one-time lump sum distribution of $3,189.44 from a 401k due to financial hardship? I did not receive advice from a financial planner.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

In Washington State, unemployment benefits are typically based on your income from work, and the general rule is that unemployment benefits are not directly reduced by a lump sum 401(k) distribution. However, if you choose to take the 401(k) distribution, it could impact your financial situation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Health Care Law and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Seeking domestic violence program in King County focusing on invisible disabilities.

I am voluntarily seeking a domestic violence treatment program in King County, Washington. I have a traumatic brain injury and am on disability, so I need a program that provides specific attention to "invisible" disabilities. I prefer an in-person program. Are there any programs... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You're taking a brave and important step, and it’s clear you’re trying to find a program that respects your unique needs. In King County, there are domestic violence treatment programs that are equipped to work with individuals who live with invisible disabilities, including traumatic... View More

Q: Seeking legal representation in WA for surgery-related injury leading to permanent tracheostomy, impacting life and work ability.

I was injured during a surgery in 2011, which led to a permanent tracheostomy performed in 2024. This has drastically impacted my life—I am dependent on a suctioning machine, unable to be alone due to choking risks, and facing daily challenges such as difficulty showering, inability to swim, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 23, 2025

Your situation presents complex timing challenges that require immediate attention from an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Washington. The state's statute of limitations typically requires filing within three years of the medical error or one year after discovering the injury,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Can I consider the cancellation of my job offer a layoff for unemployment benefits in WA?

I am currently on unemployment in Washington state. I was initially hired by Allied Universal at $32 per hour, but my position was canceled after one day of onboarding. When I returned to unemployment, they offered me another position at $25 per hour, which was also canceled. I received an email... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Yes, based on what you’ve described, this situation is much closer to a layoff than a voluntary resignation. You accepted employment at an agreed wage, and the employer canceled the position after onboarding—this is not a quit on your part. The second position being canceled as well, especially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Impact of resignation for family care on WA unemployment eligibility?

I am a full-time employee in Washington State currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). My father, who lives in South Carolina, has been diagnosed with cancer, and I plan to help with his home care after my lease ends in August. Until then, I will be traveling back and forth. Due to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

In Washington State, quitting your job to care for a seriously ill family member can be considered a “good cause” reason for leaving, but you still must meet specific eligibility criteria to receive unemployment benefits. One of the key factors is proving that you exhausted all reasonable... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Public Benefits and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can I travel overseas with an ankle monitor due to a restraining order case?

I am planning to take my adult brother, who is disabled with schizophrenia, overseas for better treatment and support after our father passed away. His SSDI would significantly help his care abroad, and our family is ready to assist. However, I currently have an ankle monitor due to an alleged... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

Traveling internationally while wearing an ankle monitor is usually not allowed, especially if it's tied to an ongoing criminal or civil case. Even if you're allowed to move domestically, leaving the country is a much bigger step that likely requires direct permission from the court. The... View More

Q: Wrongful termination and unemployment denial after K9 audit failure.

I was wrongfully terminated by my employer after a K9 did not pass an audit. The lead person took the dog from me, told me I was fired, blocked me out of the computer system, and refused to pay hours owed. Additionally, my unemployment claim has been denied. I did not receive any formal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 7, 2025

Your situation involves two distinct legal issues: wrongful termination and unemployment benefits denial. I'll address both and provide guidance on steps you can take.

Washington is an at-will employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employment for any reason,...
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Q: Denied SSD benefits due to mistaken identity and IRS debt; seeking resolution advice.

I am seeking advice on dealing with being denied Social Security Disability benefits. I was a recipient for several years but lost eligibility due to income from marriage. After divorcing, I have been denied and forced to reapply and appeal for over five years. I recently found out my file was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2025

Your situation with Social Security Disability benefits is incredibly frustrating and requires immediate action on multiple fronts. First, request a formal written explanation from SSA regarding the exact nature of the identity confusion and the alleged IRS debt—this documentation will be crucial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: Can Section 8 remove live-in aide status despite no fraud/criminal activity?

I am a disabled individual on Section 8 and had a live-in aide, with whom I had a child five years ago. This was continuously reported to the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO). Recently, the Snohomish County Veteran Assistance Program filed a complaint, alleging that we were a family... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Your situation with Section 8 and the live-in aide status is quite complex. While HUD guidelines typically require fraud or criminal activity to remove live-in aide status, housing authorities sometimes interpret family relationships differently, especially when children are involved. The fact that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, Probate and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: IN CORDE HOMINUM EST ANIMA LEGIS"

What is the meaning of IN CORDE HOMINUM EST ANIMA LEGIS"

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 5, 2023

The spirit of the law is in the human heart.

It’s philosophical phrase used by former Supreme Court justice Thomas Brennan.

It is not a legal rule rule or precept.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Public Benefits and Social Security for Washington on
Q: after the car has been towed for 45 days, the car has been sold by “Wallys towing”. What should I do?

I am an international student, and I had a car ins Seattle. Because of COVID-19, I planned to go back to my home country, and I will go back to America in next year. My friend who live in Seattle taken care my car, he parked my car on the side of the road, but the car was towed away. After the car... View More

Kenneth Prigmore
Kenneth Prigmore
answered on Nov 12, 2020

Your problem should be dealt with under state or local city law. That means to get the right answer, you need to ask your questions to a Washington State attorney.

I am a Utah attorney. If a car is left too long in the public space in Utah, a tow company can tow it, and eventually sell it....
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1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: My husband is disabled, receives Medicare with prescriptions cov. with Cigna. Five reimbursement checks bounced. Help.

Cigna did not coordinate their benefits with Nathan's primary insurance coverage through Regence. Cigna did not cover any copays for 3 years. We didn't quite understand the magnitude until speaking to our pharmacy and doing some investigating. We spent hours and hours collecting print... View More

Vincent J. Bernabei
Vincent J. Bernabei
answered on May 9, 2019

If you have received bad checks, you can recover from the company issuing the checks the costs of collecting the amount of the check, including attorney's fees, interest on the amount of the check which accrues at the rate of twelve percent per annum from the date of dishonor; and three... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Civil Rights and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: hello? my section 8 voucher got denied even though i am an eligible non citizen

is it a civil right law violation?

or under the protected status?

I am under withholding of removal. I have employment authorization card, but Seattle Housing Authority demanded to provide I-94 which i do not have one. I cannot travel outside of US and come back and i don't... View More

Kyndra L Mulder
Kyndra L Mulder
answered on Apr 21, 2017

Your question can not be answered because you have offered no facts.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: I'm 17 and my husband is 25 we got married in Mexico with parents permission can I do the marriage visa?

Can I do the marriage visa for my husband?

Shan Dimitris Potts
Shan Dimitris Potts
answered on Dec 30, 2015

Hello,

There are a lot of important details that are missing. Marriage visa for you or your husband? If it is for you what is your husband's immigration status? Is he a citizen or a green card holder? Talk to an immigration attorney in private to get a clear idea of how to go about...
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1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Do I need a lawyer for SSI benefits claim? I only need to know if proceedings from a 2nd mortgage still vigent is cou
Jake Causing Santos
Jake Causing Santos
answered on Jun 3, 2012

Whether you should hire an attorney is a personal choice and depends on the specifics of your case. However, it appears that your question was cut-off so you may want to add more information.

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