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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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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