Blogs
Double check Social Security’s denial of benefits based on your immigration status
Don’t lose hope, at least initially, if Social Security tells you that they are denying you benefits because of your immigration status. I have seen
Is someone “literate” if he or she is able to pass the naturalization exam?
Last week I had a new situation, at least new for me. I was representing a native Spanish speaker. I had conducted all of our
Alzheimer’s Caregiver support group to begin on Second Life
As I was reviewing my blog just now, I realized that I have not posted in quite a while. I am now a caregiver for
Continuing Legal Education seminar on attorneys with disabilities offered in Second Life
In February I became president of the Second Life® Bar Association. I am excited about the upcoming year and hope to bring new educational content
It is no fun being disabled
Perhaps due to California’s budget problems, it seems that the disabled are an easy target. I have received comments on my blog accusing the disabled
Are survivors divorced spouse’s benefits retroactive?
My new motto is to file early and often. It can be detrimental to wait and file for Social Security disability benefits. Perhaps I am

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

