Blogs

Receive a Large Back Pay Amount? How California Disability Winners Can Protect Their Benefits
Winning a Social Security Disability claim brings immense relief. For many disabled individuals, the victory comes with a substantial lump-sum check for retroactive benefits—often $15,000,

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

Honduran Witness Protection and Its Shortcomings
I am proud to present an article by a guest blogger, Dr. Robert Kirkland. Dr. Robert Kirkland is a retired career army officer who is

Andrea Miller to be speaking in Solano County via Zoom
This post is not about Social Security Disability Law but I wanted to highlight an upcoming talk by a phenomenal leader. During this past few

What is a “skill” for purposes of filling out Form I-944, “declaration of self sufficiency?”
There is a new form that is now required to be submitted with all adjustment of status applications filed in the United States. This form

“We Demand the Right to Vote” – 100 years since the 19th Amendment
The Benicia-Vallejo branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host a free, public Zoom program “We Demand the Right to Vote” –

Can I get both disability and retirement at the same time?
A common question I receive from my clients who are at retirement age is whether they may receive Social Security Disability Insurance and Social Security

How to change your name in California, Part Two
I previously wrote an overview about how to change your name in California. I am now going to give you the specifics of how to

