Blogs

The New USCIS Signature Rule: Why a “Digital Shortcut” Could Cost You Thousands
Most people think a signature is just a boring formality. We don’t sign documents with a pen as often as we used to. If

Changing Your Address with USCIS is Turning into a Financial Audit
For decades, filing a change of address with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was a routine, one-minute task. If you moved, you filed out

Myth vs. Fact: Can You Become a U.S. Citizen While Receiving Disability Benefits?
As an attorney who handles both Immigration and Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI), I often hear from clients who are terrified to apply for citizenship. They’ve

5 Things To Strengthen Your Green Card Application Before The Public Charge Rules Change
Most immigrants applying for a green card based on a family-based petition must prove that they will not be a “public charge.” This means the

Why Social Security delays or denies disability claims for permanent residents and new citizens (And how to fix problems before you apply)
I often receive calls from prospective clients who are shocked to receive a denial letter from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) because they did not

Know Your Rights
We are receiving many calls from frightened people due to the rhetoric they are hearing from President Trump and members of his Cabinet. Everyone is
California reduces SSI payment again in October 2009
As those of you already on SSI already know, your SSI monthly amount was reduced in October 2009. The California state legislature has made a
SSA to soon grant attorneys access to claimants’ electronic hearing folders
One of the most interesting presentations I attended at the NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) conference in San Francisco was a presentation
Ten tips for winning your Social Security Disability case in federal court
I am currently attending the NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives’) conference in San Francisco. I am going to write posts this week
How can I prove I am disabled if I cannot get treatment because I can’t afford it?
One of the difficulties indigent claimants face is proving that they are disabled when they have not sought out medical treatment. It is a vicious
It helps to be local
My client has not received her retroactive payment. I have been trying to reach a representative at the Social Security office in San Francisco. (
Average waiting times for hearings at ODAR offices in San Francisco Bay Area
The most recent (June 2009) set of statistics listing processing times at the San Francisco Bay Area Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (“ODAR”) does

