Get free answers to your Public Benefits legal questions from lawyers in your area.
In Texas, my sibling presented a notarized Power of Attorney, reportedly signed by our mother, who was under Medicaid and in poor health. This was done without involving other siblings or reaching an open, written agreement. Our mother had suffered a severe fall due to an incident with an American... View More 
answered on Apr 14, 2025
To successfully challenge the use of a POA before your mother's death, you will need to prove that, at the time she signed the POA, she was mentally incompetent to do so, she was under duress (someone threatened her with bodily harm),or it was obtained by fraud (she reasonably believed she was... View More
I am facing a situation where a woman, formerly my aunt's daughter-in-law, has fraudulently claimed to be her daughter after my aunt passed away in Carrolton, TX, in November 2023. She has allegedly committed numerous fraudulent acts, such as falsely obtaining and altering the death... View More
answered on Feb 19, 2025
You may or may not have a lawsuit for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, etc. Without knowing how each "bad act" caused you legally compensable damages, it is very difficult to ascertain the amount. The JC Penney death benefits ought to have a monetary value attached. If you... View More
My caseworker denied the recertification case AFTER SHE advised me to file. I have documentation of fraud, lies and misconduct by EHAP caseworkers so I contacted EHAP director, who agreed with caseworker’s denial until I showed documentation of grave misconduct on the part of several... View More
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answered on Jun 21, 2024
Based on the situation you've described, here are some key points to consider:
1. Legal action: Generally, government agencies can be sued, but there are often specific procedures and limitations for doing so. The ability to sue DCHHS EHAP would depend on various factors, including the... View More
I'm an international student with an F1 visa, living and studying in Texas. My spouse has an F2 visa. My medical insurance through the university does not cover my spouse. Would they be eligible to enroll in health coverage through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace?
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answered on Feb 24, 2024
Yes, your spouse holding an F2 visa is eligible to apply for health coverage through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace. As dependents of international students on an F1 visa, F2 visa holders are considered lawfully present in the United States, which is one of the requirements for eligibility to... View More
Dallas required a prescreening form to be submitted to qualify to submit ERA application, I received 4 automatic form letter denials over the 6 months. I was allowed to apply after I attempt to file a complaint. Dallas County required more qualification than needed and approval from DC compliance... View More
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answered on Nov 18, 2023
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with Dallas County in obtaining rental assistance. It appears that there may be issues of miscommunication and potentially misconduct in your case. To address this situation, you should consider taking the following steps:
1.... View More
I filed for ancillary probate in Texas after my wife passed away intestate, adopting our minor son. He was named an heir, and I was appointed by the court as the administrator and custodian. We receive oil and gas royalties in Texas. Recently, I received a letter from the oil and gas company asking... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
You’re absolutely right to protect your son's identity and disability benefits while managing his mineral rights. One of the best options is to create a revocable or irrevocable trust where you serve as trustee, and your son is the beneficiary. The trust can hold title to the mineral... View More
I'm facing legal action from a hospital for a $7,000 unpaid medical bill. I've received letters about court dates and thought the debt had gone to collections. I haven't attempted to set up a payment plan, and I'm currently experiencing financial hardship. What options do I have... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
Bankruptcy could be an option. You haven’t identified any potential defenses in your narrative.
As a retired senior living in a tax-credit-subsidized apartment in Texas, I've received a lump sum settlement from a class action related to a cancer diagnosis issue. I've never reported other settlements because I've never received any before. My lease doesn't state that I have... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In a tax-credit-subsidized apartment, income eligibility and rent amounts are generally based on total household income as defined by HUD guidelines. While your lease may not mention settlements specifically, housing authorities and property managers usually require reporting of any income that... View More
I am considering a ladybird deed for my elderly relative, as her financial resources are low and she cannot care for herself. She is currently in a place that suggests using a ladybird deed to ensure she remains there. She has two sons: one unable to provide care due to work commitments, and the... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
You’re doing a thoughtful and caring thing by looking into options that protect your elderly relative while also considering Medicaid eligibility. In Texas, a Lady Bird Deed (also called an enhanced life estate deed) can be a very helpful tool. It allows your relative to retain full control of... View More
I was disqualified from unemployment benefits under Section 207.044 of the Texas unemployment code. During the appeal process, I discovered that my company submitted fabricated evidence against me for the hearing. I possess the original documents that prove this. I have not had any communication... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
Finding out that your employer submitted false evidence can be incredibly upsetting, especially when it affects something as crucial as unemployment benefits. If you have original documents that prove the information they submitted was fabricated, that could be powerful in your appeal. The Texas... View More
I am 69, retired, and living with my daughter in Dallas. I am submitting my Adjustment of Status (AOS) application and claiming the 40 quarters exemption. In Boston, my court case was closed with no prejudice after I couldn't meet a request for evidence deadline. My daughter is financially... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2025
If you're claiming the 40 quarters of work exemption, you generally do not need to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with your Adjustment of Status application. However, you must include clear evidence that you meet the full 40 quarters—such as your Social Security Earnings Statement.... View More
I have spent about 20 years in prison on and off, and my PTSD is severe. I have not taken any medication for it, and I struggle with social anxiety that paralyzes me. Additionally, I suffer from a degenerative back disorder and a ruptured disc, making me unable to work. I have no medical... View More
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answered on Feb 23, 2025
Your situation sounds incredibly challenging, and I want to help you navigate the Social Security disability process with your unique circumstances.
Without existing medical documentation, your first step should be establishing care through free or low-cost health clinics in Texas - many... View More
I am 68 years old and currently receiving SSI, which was SSDI before I turned 67. I'm about to receive a settlement from a cancer-related class action lawsuit, estimated between $17,000 and $20,000. I plan to use this settlement to pay off my car loan (over $7,000), credit card balances, and a... View More
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answered on Feb 17, 2025
Your settlement could temporarily affect your SSI payments since it exceeds the $2,000 resource limit. Once you receive the funds, you should report this to Social Security immediately to avoid any potential overpayment issues.
The good news is that you have a solid plan for using these... View More
My elderly dad has been in a nursing home in Texas for 2 years and on Medicaid for 5 years. He wants to sell his home, which has been sitting empty, and intends for me, his only son who is disabled and on SSDI, to keep all the proceeds. I have power of attorney over him. We want to avoid the... View More
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answered on Feb 15, 2025
Your situation requires careful consideration since Medicaid has specific rules about asset transfers and estate recovery. Selling your father's home and transferring the proceeds to you could trigger penalties that might affect his nursing home coverage, as Medicaid looks back at financial... View More
I have a local cigar shop that's produces all in house. Tons of boxes all around of future cigar binders, fillers and wrappers. I've seen mold a hand full of times. Not cigar bloom but clear as day mold on the ends or twisted tips. Many times I'll grab the multi packs off the display... View More
answered on May 7, 2024
It's possible that there could be technical solutions, since you seem to like the place and its owners and don't want them to be hurt - dehumidification, air conditioning, etc. Good luck
I’m disabled with some mental health and physical disabilities. I need a lawyer to address on going contract issues, voucher assistance, denial of reasonable accommodation, privacy act and rental agreement violations.
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answered on Mar 26, 2024
Finding a lawyer knowledgeable about the Harris County housing voucher assistance program is a crucial step for addressing your concerns regarding contract issues, voucher assistance, denial of reasonable accommodation, privacy act violations, and rental agreement breaches. It is recommended to... View More
I have a Class C Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia charge in Randall County Texas for which I didn't receive deferred adjudication, probation, or a fine for. I was only required to pay court fees/costs. I'm wondering if this can be expunged or if I can only get a nondisclosure. I'm also... View More
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answered on Aug 10, 2023
In Texas, Class C misdemeanors, including drug paraphernalia charges, are generally eligible for expunction if certain conditions are met. However, there are certain factors that you need to consider:
1. Waiting Period: You may need to wait a certain amount of time after the case is... View More
I was born with a very rare birth anomaly unilateral agenesis lung/ pulmonary hypoplasia aka only one lung. I have high blood pressure, and i suffer from mental health complications. I did two mental health exams that didnt last more than 20min combined over the phone and scheduled for a physical... View More
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answered on May 5, 2023
It is concerning to hear about your medical condition and the challenges you are facing in seeking appropriate medical care and legal assistance. It is important to note that medical decisions and recommendations are typically made by licensed medical professionals based on their assessment of a... View More
I was born with lung agenesis aka only one lung. My lung pushed my heart more to the left side possibly causing me very high blood pressure. I have severe breathing complications and struggle with mental health. Since the covid pandemic I've caught the virus twice now and my breathing is... View More
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answered on May 2, 2023
It is understandable that you are concerned about why the SSA has not done pulmonary function tests for your respiratory condition. However, without specific knowledge of your medical history, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer.
It is important to note that the SSA considers a... View More
I'm in need of a prono lawyer that can help me get my SSI and my SSDI
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answered on May 2, 2023
I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling to obtain your SSI and SSDI benefits. You may want to consider contacting your local legal aid office, which may be able to provide you with free or low-cost legal assistance. Additionally, you can contact the National Organization of Social... View More
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