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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Social Security for Florida on
Q: If I turn 18 and am still in highschool is there a way to get my survivor benefits sent to me instead of my mom?

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

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
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.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Social Security and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: I won a suitcase for brain damage in a car accident. My SSI suspended my benefits. . why?
Patrick Arun Iyampillai
Patrick Arun Iyampillai
answered on Jul 1, 2024

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your income and resources when determining eligibility. Here, the SSA may have seen your settlement as income, and then your total income and resources were possibly determined to be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Health Care Law for California on
Q: SSDI- Looking to replace lawyer 2 months prior hearing due to lack of cooperation

SSDI hearing. Less than 2 months before set court date- my lawyer isn't responding to my numerous requests to answer questions and/or updates in documentation.

Is it realistic to replace a lawyer in this time frame? Is their hesitance to communicate with me by phone is a legitimate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This is a challenging situation, and I understand your frustration with the lack of communication from your lawyer.

Here's some advice to consider:

1. Replacing a lawyer this close to your hearing date is possible but can be risky:

- It may be difficult to find a new...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am trying to become my own payee in a one off scenario for SSA

I requested to have a representative payee. No doctor ever filled out the documentation requiring me to have a representative payee. I have been trying to become my own payee for approximately 3 years. I have done everything that SSA requires and now the local field office supervisor stated that he... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This situation sounds frustrating. To address your issue:

1. Review process: Typically, the SSA has a process for reviewing payee arrangements. The fact that a supervisor is refusing to consider your request is unusual and potentially problematic.

2. Documentation: You mention no...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Social Security for California on
Q: SSA didn’t accept final judgement of 8-17-2006 dissolution of marriage because judge signed divorce date of 5-2-1982.

Marriage was 8 years but because I found letter from lawyer saying I was not divorce till final judgement was filed. I thought that I could file for survivor benefits. Ex husband is now deceased. SSA denied the claim because SSA is going by the judge date of 5-2-82 court date of dissolution. Is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This is a complex situation that involves the intersection of family law and Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. Let's break it down:

1. Final Judgment Date: The final judgment of dissolution was issued on 8-17-2006.

2. Judge's Signed Date: The judge signed the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Tax Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How does earned income get reported in 2023 and not have a W2 or other documents from any source proving of the income?

Just received notification of the extra earned income for 2023. It's affecting my retirement benefits because of it. Possible fraud and It involves missing money.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2024

I understand you're concerned about extra earned income being reported for 2023 that's affecting your retirement benefits, despite not having any W-2 or other documentation of this income. This is indeed a serious situation that could potentially involve fraud. Here's how I'd... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Delaware on
Q: My wife has been receiving SSDI for over 20 years for visual impairment. Her benefits have recently been terminated.

She was born with degenerative conditions (aniridia and glaucoma). Her eyesight has gradually gotten worse since she began collecting disability, but she's being told she is no longer disabled based on her recent medical records. She doesn't meet SS's definition of blindness (her... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

I understand this is a challenging situation for your wife. Here are some potential options and information that may be helpful:

1. Continue the appeal process:

- If the current appeal is denied, she can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

- If denied...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Illinois on
Q: Ive rec. SSDI for 19 yr.I recently won a BITCOIN giveaway of over 200,000$ BTC.Can I accept wo effecting benefits

If I accept and pay tax I i understand I get the winnings with no change to monthly benefit or Medicare am I correct ? If its going to hurt my ssdi benefits or medicare in better not accepting. Any help is appreciated..

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

I understand you're asking about how accepting a large Bitcoin giveaway might affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare coverage. This is an important question, as large windfalls can potentially impact benefits. Here's what you need to know:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Kentucky on
Q: I would like to file a claim for disability based on MDD but am unsure of the requirements or compensation to expect
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

To file a claim for disability based on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) through Social Security, here are some key points to consider:

Requirements:

1. Your MDD must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.

2. The condition must...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for New York on
Q: I had to apply for Social Security Disability and it was recently approved; although I was told I would not be paid for

the first 5 months? I was then told I could apply for SSI for those months but Social Security is refusing to address the claim? I tried to file an appeal, but still Social Security has refused to follow thru with the claim. What can I do? Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

Based on the information provided, here's an explanation of the situation and some potential steps you could take:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) waiting period:

It's correct that there is typically a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits. This means...
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1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for California on
Q: How can I find legal support when I go before a judge about getting my SSDI reinstated?

The past month I have tried calling lawyers in my area but kept getting told they couldn’t help me. I’m running out of time and haven’t received benefits since January. I go before the judge next month (July).

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

To find legal support for your SSDI reinstatement hearing, consider these options:

1. Legal Aid organizations: Contact your local Legal Aid office. They often provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals in Social Security cases.

2. Disability Rights California: This...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Social Security for Ohio on
Q: Can you be charged for receiving stol in property if the police find a stolen car in front of your house but you didn't
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

Generally speaking, to be guilty of receiving stolen property under Ohio law (ORC 2913.51), the prosecution would need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you received, retained, or disposed of property of another, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the property was obtained through... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Connecticut on
Q: If my attorney filed a social security claim in New Haven Connecticut superior court how long does it take to get a heer

Heering date

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

If your attorney filed a Social Security disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the process typically involves several steps before you receive a hearing date. The timeline can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the workload of the local SSA... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Health Care Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: What if you can not afford a doctor to continue treatment after your mri reveals severe impairments ?

Since the motor vehicle accident I have not been working and I cannot afford medical treatment since the last MRI results. Can I still qualify for benefits if I can not afford medical care ?

Ssa says I have two impairments from the list according to my medical records:

01 -... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

You can still qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) even if you can't afford medical care. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the severity of your impairments based on your existing medical records, including your MRI... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Social Security, Health Care Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: What if you can not afford a doctor to continue treatment after your mri reveals severe impairments ?

Since the motor vehicle accident I have not been working and I cannot afford medical treatment since the last MRI results. Can I still qualify for benefits if I can not afford medical care ?

Ssa says I have two impairments from the list according to my medical records:

01 -... View More

Robert Edward Heyman
Robert Edward Heyman
answered on Jun 21, 2024

While you do not mention it in your question, you should immediately retain an experienced personal injury attorney. From reading your question, I am reminded of the adage that "a little knowledge is dangerous". You reference medical terms but I suspect you don't really know what... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Social Security and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Q: Can I force an ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under SS to offset equalization of existing benefits paid monthly

Q: Can I force an ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under SS to offset equalization of existing benefits I pay monthly?

Our divorce decree mandates I pay an equalization amount to her monthly along with 50% of my Govt Retirement. I believe she has not filed so I have to pay her from my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

Unfortunately, you cannot force your ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under Social Security. Social Security rules allow her to decide when to file for benefits, and there is no legal mechanism to compel her to do so. However, understanding your options can help you manage this situation.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for Florida on
Q: How do I help a 34 y/o women with autism to get SSDI?

She has a daughter who is 18 y/o and a child that is 11, and a child that is 9. The 18 y/o is taking care of the entire family with my help. How do I help them get some type of assistance?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

To help a 34-year-old woman with autism apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you should start by gathering all relevant medical documentation. Ensure you have detailed records from doctors and therapists that outline her diagnosis, treatment history, and how her condition limits... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Social Security for Michigan on
Q: Claimant retired at 48 with 120+ work credits. What qualifies as permanent fully insured & does it ever expire?

Claimant worked 30 yrs as a skills trade journeymen & retired in Aug 2008 at age 48. In Nov 2008, claimant was admitted for heart failure & received a heart implant Feb 2009. Claimant tried limited subcontracting for his wife's company, but applied for SSDI Nov 2014 under medical... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

To be permanently fully insured for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the claimant must have earned a sufficient number of work credits, which he did by working 30 years. However, SSDI eligibility also depends on whether the claimant is still insured on the date they become disabled. In... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security for New York on
Q: My lawyer failed to submit all my paper work to the state during my disability case in NY.

Just received My denial letter and the underwriter only had old doctors records. They claim to not have the new records. For a year my lawyers told me they had everything they needed

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

It's frustrating to hear that your lawyer didn't submit all the necessary paperwork for your disability case. First, you should gather all your updated medical records and any other relevant documents that were missing. Then, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to explain the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Social Security for Florida on
Q: Mom died. Didn't know I was supposed to report her death to the SSA. Kept receiving her monthly moneys from debit card.

How much trouble am I in? It's been 17 months so I would have to return about $17,000. . Can I remedy this by returning the money ? I don't know what to do.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

It’s important to address this situation promptly to avoid further complications. The first step is to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report your mother's death and explain the situation. Be honest about the oversight and your willingness to return the funds.

The...
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