Get free answers to your Social Security legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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 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 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
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
I teach in a public school and am currently 53 and dating someone. Are there still benefits to be paid out to me from ex’s SS if my kids already got money? If so, would I have to wait until age 67 to receive? If I’ve worked steadily from age 21 is it even worth it for me to think about that... View More
answered on Mar 19, 2020
The fact that your children drew benefits against your ex husband's earnings record will have no effect on your eventual ability to draw against his earnings record but you must have been married for at least 10 years, you can't draw until he starts drawing, and you can't draw until... View More
Will this make him lose his disability? Or how does he keep from losing his disability benefits? rental properties and other real estate has to be divided
answered on Sep 9, 2019
As a Virginia Social Security Disability lawyer, I can tell you this divorce should have no impact on his disability. However, he should verify this with his divorce lawyer.
My husband was hurt on the job, July 2017 and has not worked since then. He is 58 years old now and worked in the coal mines, doing underground work. Signed up for ssdi in Dec 2017, was denied, we hired and attorney, reconsideration denied, appeal filed and we got this notice from ssdi. Then 2... View More
answered on Apr 8, 2019
Since he is over 55 with less than a high school education and he cannot do his prior work, he should have a great chance. I base this opinion on 35 years of Social Security Disability practice in the Richmond, Virginia area.
I would be the plaintiff
I'm searching for an excellent trial attorney on a success fee basis
Extreme injustice done
This doesn't involve probate, it involves litigation
It involves social security disability money, breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent... View More
answered on Jan 30, 2019
If you're alleging someone was killed then the police and prosecutor would handle that on the criminal law side of your question.
I'm low income on SSD (not SSI), I can't afford market rent. I'm owner of & been paying on a Term Life $15,000 policy for 13 years on my ex & need the proceeds to pay off bills so I can maintain my regular monthly expenses. My concerns are that if I choose to rent subsidized... View More
answered on Jan 18, 2019
I regret that I do not handle insurance policy maters. Sorry.
answered on Mar 14, 2018
The previous conviction is essential in proving the second.
I work for a federal government agency (Org A), while representing and employed through Org A, I assisted a separate federal government agency (Org B) on a project. For my contributions upon completion of the project, Org B gave me a small monetary award. After a long 2-year HR process between Org... View More
answered on Jan 7, 2018
I'm very sorry that this happened. You should understand, though, that no matter how jarring or tortious an act may be that certain strict time limits apply. I believe that your factual scenario may touch upon two areas of the law - the first is state tort law and the second is federal... View More
My husband has congestive heart failure. He was diagnosed in 2009, and could've filed for disability then (he met the criteria), but was only 37. He wanted to work if he could. This year his symptoms grew worse and he had to stop. We filed for disability in August, SS had his medical records... View More
answered on Dec 22, 2017
You can call the claims examiner for an update. Also, you can acquire attorney representation at the initial application level. You do not need to wait until you are denied.
I would prefer not to press charges. She is being uncooperative. What can I do.
answered on Dec 18, 2017
If you don't want to press charges, you can contact the credit card company and ask them to cancel the card and any transactions your mother ran on the card. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against her, but you'd almost certainly have to pay an attorney a significant retainer and... View More
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