Social Security Legal Questions

Whether or not you are under age 18 is irrelevant.  If you did something illegal in accessing their site, they could potentially charge you as a violation of a federal statute.  If you are in New Jersey and the company is in New York, it becomes a federal crime as opposed to a state crime because the parties are in different states. there is a specific division within the FBI that was created to address this type of crime, and unauthorized access to a protected site is a crime.  The potential claim against you is going to depend on what type of site you hacked. ... Read More

Yes that is true.  If your friend owes any state or federal debts (child support, taxes, student loans, etc) he will not likely find any representation.  That is because the government will basically take money out of the representative's pocket to pay off those personal debts of your friend. Fair or not this is the way it is; the government demands that your friend pay off his debts first otherwise he will find it very difficult or impossible to find help on his SSA claim.... Read More

Does not matter how many wives or kids.  As long as kids are under 18 (and decedent paid enough money from his pay checks to qualify for SS) they all get the same amount.    Widows don't qualify for anything unless they are retirement age or between 50 and 60 and disabled.  Young widows don't get social security, but the kids under 18 do.  ... Read More

Don't you mean "full retirement age."  Re-read the document as it is important to your benefits.  The Social Security Administration website says this: "Full retirement age is the age at which a person may first become entitled to full or unreduced retirement benefits."  Based upon the year of your birth go to this link to determine your full retirement age.... Read More

By definition, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits are based on assets.   The facts of each case are different.  The income and resources of the person you intend to marry will likely have an effect on your benefits.  Consulting with someone in your area is recommended to know for sure.  Click here to find someone near you.... Read More

In the situation you describe, an attorney may be a wise choice.  Go to the top of this page and choose "Find a Lawyer" for someone nearby.  This link may provide helpful information from SSA's website about applying for Social Security Survivor Benefits. Unfortunately, these benefits can not be applied for online.... Read More

Anytime you have hired an attorney, you should report to them or their supervisor if you are not completely satisfied with the service you have received.  I recommend that as your first step. If your hearing has been held and you don't have a decision, do what I have suggested above and wait for the decision.  If it is favorable, you worried for nothing.  If not, you have options.... Read More

What does your doctor say?  Have you discussed this with her/him?  If the answer is yes, make sure the doctor tells you how much "part time work" to try, if any.  If the doctor advises against not working, you have your answer. Earnings may affect your benefits if you are receiving SSI benefits.  In addition, if the wages for your part time work rise to a certain level, SSA will count the month as a trial work period month.   You must report any work activity once you begin to your local social securityoffice.  Document your reporting and do it in writing if possible.... Read More

There are two types of disability benefits available from the Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (Title I2) - this is the one you have been told you are not eligible for.  If your disability began after your eligibility for these benefits are expired, you are out of luck. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Title 16) - you may be eligible for this disability benefit if you meet the "asset requirements." Contact or go to your local office to determine if you are eligible.  ... Read More

You must have a medical condition that keeps you from working for 12 months or more (or is expected to keep you from working for 12 months or more).  Please review this link so that you will see how SSA will analyze whether you are disabled. Click the "Find a Lawyer" link at the top of this page for assistance from someone nearby. Click here to apply securely online at the SSA website if you choose.... Read More

A fee agreement will be required for the lawyer to be paid.  The lawyer payment is based on your past due benefits.  Currently, the amount of the fee is 25% of the past due benefits or $6,000 whichever is less.  The fee may not exceed $6,000. If a lawyer chooses the fee petition process, it is still 25% of the past due benefits and may exceed $6,000. Some attorneys use a two-tiered agreement that combines the ideas.   Make sure that you carefully read .the fee agreement and have the attorney explain it fully so that you completely understand even if it takes more than once.  This agreement is very important and the basis for your working relationship with your lawyer.... Read More

There is no license or requirement to be an attorney to ge to federal court on a SSA appeal.  Many many claimants do their own federal court appeals and successfully. Each federal court has their own rules, each are different form each other.  You will need to first determine which federal court you are in, read their local rules and then follow their local rules as to the appeal process.... Read More

Answering your question without more information is impossible. If he has applied and been denied recently and then requested a hearing before an ALJ, he is looking at about a year to receive a new Decision.  Of course there are no guarantees that he will be successful.   He needs to go to his nearest Social Security office and ask them to look up his file.  He should have an attorney representing him as well.... Read More

I'm not really sure form the information you providied what your question is.  Did you use a lawyer to apply for benefits?  Usually that would be SSD or Social Security Disability not SSI which is Supplemental Security Income which is usually given to raise people up to the poverty limits. ... Read More