Get free answers to your Social Security legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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 
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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... View More
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.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
I am on short term disability now. To sign up for long term they want me to sign up for SS disability
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 17, 2024
No, your insurance company cannot force you to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, many long-term disability (LTD) policies include a clause that requires you to apply for SSDI as a condition of receiving or continuing to receive LTD benefits.
This is because... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 17, 2024
No, your insurance company cannot force you to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, in certain situations, they may strongly encourage or incentivize you to do so. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Long-term disability (LTD) policies often include a clause stating... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 22, 2024
To begin the process of applying for Social Security benefits, the first step is to gather all necessary documentation. This includes your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, military discharge papers if applicable, and your most recent W-2 or... View More
Taxes separate, I was denied because we never filed together. I applied for his income tax return in 2021 after he passed and received his return Jan 2024. Can I now apply for his S.S.?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 22, 2024
Under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, to qualify for survivor benefits as a spouse, you typically need to have been legally married to the deceased. Living together or sharing expenses, even for a long period, does not automatically grant you the status of a spouse for Social Security... View More
Denied because we filed separate taxes. I did receive his income tax return 3 years later. Can I now receive his social security. Both are from government. He passed away 2021 February.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 22, 2024
Under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, to qualify for survivor benefits as a spouse, you typically need to have been legally married to the deceased. Living together or sharing expenses, even for a long period, does not automatically grant you the status of a spouse for Social Security... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 15, 2024
You can apply for widower benefits starting at age 60 for standard widow's benefits, or at age 50 if you are disabled. However, if you are caring for a child under the age of 16 or who is disabled and receiving benefits on your husband's record, you can apply at any age.
The... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 15, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. As for Social Security widow benefits, you can typically start receiving these benefits at age 60. However, if you are disabled, the eligibility age is 50. It's important to note that if you remarry before the age of 60 (or age 50 if disabled), you... View More
If I start a business and my earnings haven't surpassed my expenses making me no profit as well as me not paying myself a salary, do I have to report my earnings to SSDI?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 29, 2023
If you're receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and start a business, it's essential to understand how your business activities might affect your benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to report any work activity, which includes starting a... View More
She never really worked I was always the sole provider. We went to social security and were told we have to wait until she turns 65. Is this true
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 15, 2023
In the United States, the eligibility for spousal benefits through Social Security depends on several factors, including the age of both the beneficiary and their spouse. Generally, a spouse can start receiving benefits based on their partner's record at age 62. However, if they elect to... View More
Is it legal for her to take it ?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 13, 2023
If you are 18 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) checks, these funds are legally yours. Your grandmother does not have the right to withhold your SSDI checks, regardless of your refusal to give her money. As an adult, you have legal control over your finances, including any... View More
I reached out to my parents to ask for my birth certificate and social security card, the original copies, I am 21, and they are refusing to give them to me. So I am considering having the police remove the documents from their house and return them to me, is this legal? I live in Lancaster PA, but... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 14, 2024
If your parents are withholding your birth certificate and Social Security card, you have the right to request these documents, especially since you are an adult at 21. These are personal documents that belong to you, and you should have access to them. In this situation, it’s important to try to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 19, 2024
The income limit for a family of four when children receive SSI can vary based on several factors. These include earned and unearned income, any benefits received, and the number of people in the household. The Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine how much income affects SSI... View More
I am a US citizen (born in PA and have lived in OH, NY, MD, and MI) but have been living in Germany for the past 3 years. At the beginning of this year, I got married and I wanted to change my last name to take my husband’s last name, but I also want to change my middle name to my maiden name. In... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 5, 2024
Changing your name in the US while residing abroad can be a bit complex, but it is possible. To change your name, you generally need to file a petition with the court in the state where you last resided or where you have some form of residency connection. Since you have a birth certificate from... View More
Please Help!
answered on Mar 25, 2024
To speak with an underwriter, that could involve contacting carriers directly. Good luck
They've not been together since the 1970s but are still legally married. Mom can't afford to file for divorce&even if she did, there's no guarantee dad would agree to it. He doesn't deserve to receive her benefits, she doesn't want him to get them. She wants them to go... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 15, 2023
I understand your concerns. In the U.S., if your parents are still legally married, your father might be eligible for certain Social Security benefits upon your mother's passing, regardless of their prolonged separation. Your mother's wishes about her benefits cannot change Social... View More
My younger sibling is 18 and graduated high school but is still living with our mom.
My sibling doesn’t have a job or bank account yet. My sibling has a PA photo ID, but our mom insists on keeping it in a “safe place” because she wants to control my sibling. (She refuses to accept... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 28, 2023
Your sibling can request a replacement Social Security card by providing documents to prove their identity, such as a passport or driver's license. If they don't have those documents, they may need to contact the Social Security Administration for guidance on alternative methods of... View More
My husband passed away on 11/29/19. I spoke to SSA on Jan. 3, 2020, about survivor's benefits. Told I didn't qualify, but they used 2019 income that was 9K higher than normal. They blew me off when I said my income was normally @ 45K. In fact it was 10k less than that because I went back... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 21, 2023
You can write a letter to the SSA explaining the situation and requesting the backdated Survivor's Benefits owed to you. Be sure to include your full name, Social Security number, your late husband's information, the dates you originally inquired about the benefits, and any documentation... View More
He said he will only give me half pension he said he will not give me half of disability income it's against law is that true
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 2, 2023
In general, disability income is considered separate property and not subject to division in a divorce. However, the laws vary by state, and it's best to consult with a family law attorney who can advise you on your specific situation. Additionally, pensions and other retirement accounts... View More
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
