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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

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

answered on Mar 8, 2024
When you're receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it's important to understand how changes in your financial situation can impact your benefits. SSI is designed to help individuals with limited income and resources, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into account... View More

answered on Feb 22, 2024
When considering VA repayment affecting a new spouse, it's crucial to understand that your spouse's credit and financial obligations are separate from yours. If you incurred a VA loan repayment obligation before marriage, your spouse generally won't be directly responsible for that... View More
I was denied Social Security benefits by the Administrative Law Judge, and my case has been sent to the Appeals Council, which has decided to review it. What does it mean for them to review my case? Additionally, I have legal counsel assisting me with the process.

answered on Jul 11, 2025
If your case has bring reviewed by the Appeals Council, then your lawyer may have asked for this review. It is very unusual for the Appeals Council to review a case on its own.
If the Appeals Council finds an error by the Judge, then the Appeals Council will send it back for a new hearing.... View More
My 14-year-old son receives Social Security Income due to his disability. Our household income has recently increased slightly, and we have reported this change. Since we are not classified as low-income, I want to know if my son's eligibility for Social Security benefits could be affected.... View More

answered on Jul 11, 2025
First of all, your child does not receive Social Security. He receives Supplemental Security Income or SSI which is a welfare program.
Second, since it is a welfare program, it can be adversely affected by the total income of the household. So even though the disabled child has no income... View More
I have a garnishment for credit card bills affecting our joint savings account, which is funded by transfers from our joint checking account. Our checking account receives both Social Security Administration (SSA) payments for myself and my wife, along with my wife's payroll deposits. The... View More

answered on Jun 18, 2025
If your savings account was frozen due to a garnishment and that account contains Social Security funds, you have rights under federal law. Social Security benefits are protected from garnishment by creditors, with very few exceptions—like federal debts or child support. This protection applies... View More
I'm an American citizen residing abroad who has never lived in the U.S. and only visited for vacations. My passport recently expired while I was in Cameroon, and the U.S. embassy requires my SSN for renewal. However, I don't have access to my SSN, and when I contacted the SSA, they... View More

answered on May 26, 2025
Your situation presents a bureaucratic challenge that many Americans abroad face, but there are established procedures to resolve this circular dependency between passport renewal and Social Security Number requirements. According to U.S. law (26 USC 6039E), applicants for U.S. passports must... View More
I am currently experiencing financial hardship, and my tax return was offset by the Office of the Attorney General for child support. I am disabled with very limited resources, and I have been unable to cope financially since losing my former fiancé to suicide, which I'm discussing in... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
I'm really sorry you’re going through so much. Losing your tax return to a child support offset while facing disability and financial hardship can feel overwhelming, especially with everything else on your plate.
If your tax return was intercepted for child support in Virginia, you... View More
My daughter graduated from college on May 8, 2025, and is living independently without support from her mother. I am currently under a court order to pay $169 monthly in child support, deducted from my SSD payments. I also owe some back pay and have been making payments for the past 3-4 years.... View More

answered on May 12, 2025
In Virginia, your child support obligations typically end when your child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. Since your daughter has now graduated from college and is living independently, you would generally no longer be required to pay child support under Virginia... View More
I recently discovered that the Social Security Administration has the wrong date of birth for me, which caused my tax return to be rejected. I found out about this issue a month ago when I applied for my tax return and confirmed it with the Social Security office. Since I am undocumented, I have no... View More

answered on Apr 1, 2025
Your situation presents a challenging intersection of tax compliance and immigration status. When the Social Security Administration (SSA) has incorrect biographical information for an undocumented individual, it creates complications for tax filing that require careful navigation. The request for... View More
I have applied for SSI on my sister’s behalf. We were denied and then we hired a law firm to appeal. They were not really attentive, I had to do most of the work by myself. I got my sister an evaluation. It seems we might get a positive evaluation. We are in the home stretch in terms of getting a... View More

answered on Jan 21, 2025
Given your frustrating experience with this law firm, it's understandable that you're considering making a change. Their lack of attentiveness and misleading information about their location are valid concerns that would make anyone question the relationship.
However, since... View More
Then the next year they would take it all cause I made to much money. What I am getting at is I could use that one year of payments to pay off debt and put me in a better financial position. Even if I lost it for the next 2.5 years. Hope this makes sense.I do not plan on quitting my job as long as... View More

answered on Oct 6, 2024
At 64.5, you can begin taking Social Security benefits, but there are some important considerations. Since you're not yet at your full retirement age (FRA), which is likely around 66-67, your benefits will be reduced if you earn more than the annual earnings limit. In 2024, that limit is... View More

answered on Sep 27, 2024
In Virginia, inmates generally have a right to reasonable access to phones, but that right can be restricted under certain circumstances. However, denying phone access solely because someone refuses to provide their Social Security number may raise legal concerns. The jail can restrict privileges... View More
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 income (just the way she is)

answered on Jun 15, 2024
You cannot legally force your ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under Social Security. Social Security benefits are a personal right, and the decision to file lies solely with the individual.
First, review your divorce decree to understand its terms and whether it includes any provisions... View More

answered on Apr 11, 2024
Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy attorney to guide you through the process of obtaining your retirement benefits:
1. Look for attorneys who specialize in retirement benefits, Social Security, or elder law. They will have the most relevant experience and knowledge.
2. Get... View More
I have a joint account with my grandma. She's in the nursing home. I also have poa too. But we share a joint bank account. I have used her ssi on a couple things but always pay her stuff first and what I use I put cash in a box towards her funeral so whatever money I use I'm putting cash... View More

answered on Aug 18, 2023
All the funds your grandma receives from SSI is all hers for basic subsistence and she must not have more than $2,000 in countable resources including savings to continue to be eligible. Technically, having power of attorney, or a joint bank account with the person who is receiving benefits is not... View More

answered on May 2, 2023
If the father of the stepson is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is unlikely that the stepson would be entitled to any of that money directly. SSI is a needs-based program that provides cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or... View More

answered on Jan 31, 2021
Yes, Social Security generally does not pay Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients during confinement for a crime in jail, prison or certain other public institutions. See, https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10133.pdf.
For SSI benefits, the law states that you cannot... View More
I went into a nursing home right after hip surgery for less than a month. Well no one at social security office changed my address and now they are deducting a yrs worth out of my check because they claim I was in a nursing home a yr. I was in only for 24 days. So I told them well one agent... View More

answered on Nov 9, 2020
Keep talking to SSA. Attorneys frequently work out deals for payment, and later SSA changes things on them. In this case, it sounds like if you get paid for the missing year, your attorney might actually get more money. I would at least discuss the situation with your attorney to find out what they... View More

answered on Sep 11, 2020
A vocational expert (VE) plays a significant role in a Social Security disability hearing. A VE is an expert witness who knows about job requirements and job availability in the current labor market. At the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), the VE will give his expert opinion in... View More
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